Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole assembly with a bottom surface adapted to extend only to a medial portion of a user's foot is provided. An upper portion of the article of footwear includes a periphery that is partially secured to the sole assembly. The upper portion and the sole assembly define a cavity that is adapted to receive a portion of the user's foot which leaves the heel of the user's foot unsupported by the sole assembly. The cavity has a length and a width, with the width being at least 65% of the length. An attachment assembly is secured to the sole assembly.

Abstract: A method and system harnesses human movement and activities into a renewable resource to generate electricity by wearing a plurality of electricity generating devices on articles of apparel, such as footwear. The generated energy can be stored in an energy storage device, such as a battery or a bank of ultra-capacitors, or the like. This stored energy can be periodically transferred to charge small devices and appliances. The technologies used, separately or in combination, include electromagnetic induction, piezoelectric, solar, and thermopiles. When used in footwear, as a person walks, they can generate electricity without noticing anything different from conventional walking, where electricity is not generated.

Abstract: Textile Components, such as upper members for articles of footwear, include: (a) a first portion having a first edge, wherein the first edge includes a first portion of material engaged with a first seam support material via a first thermoplastic material; (b) a second portion having a second edge, wherein the second edge includes a second portion of material engaged with a second seam support material via a second thermoplastic material; and (c) structure to engage the first and second edges in an abutting edge joint (such as a zig-zag stitch). The resulting textile components may be lightweight and breathable (e.g., due to use of lightweight upper fabric), having a comfortable fit (e.g., due to the abutting edge joint), while still providing a strong, stable, and durable construction (e.g., due to the presence of the seam support member(s)).

Abstract: A disposable dog boot comprising a single, seamless piece of flexible latex or polymer material having a bulbously shaped, bottom closed end and a top open end of a smaller cross-section, wherein when a paw of the dog is slipped into the boot, the bottom end covers and loosely conforms to the paw to protect the paw, and the top end flexibly and removably secures, through the material's elasticity, the boot to a leg of the dog.

Abstract: A cleat cover for temporary coverage an athletic shoe sole comprising: a plurality of receptors along a top surface, where the receptors provide openings to receive cleats protruding from the athletic shoe; a sole, where the sole includes a flat smooth surface; at least two straps, where said at least two straps secure the cleat cover to the athletic shoe sole; and a heel strap, where heel strap provides an additional means to secure the cover once in place. The plurality of receptors may include a first group of receptors for receiving any front cleats from the athletic shoe and a second group of receptors for receiving any heel cleats from the athletic shoe. The plurality of receptors may be configured in accordance with the cleats of the athletic shoe and may be made of rubber foam.

Abstract: A show have a sole and a shoe upper is provided with a mechanism for automatically tightening the shoe on a foot to a preset level of tightness that has been stored in memory. The wearer can select and change the level of tightness as desired.

Abstract: Three-dimensional lightweight foam greeting cards are described herein having a foam body with a perimeter wall that extends between two spaced apart parallel pieces of planar sheet material such as heavy gauge paper, cardboard, or other such material. The greeting cards have a partially hollowed foam body or one or more cavities in the foam body concealed in the front and back by the planar sheet material which may be pre-cut in the shape of the foam body are decorated consistent with the design of the foam body.

Abstract: An interactive sound generating greeting card having two separate and distinct components, one being an outer greeting card which serves as a pocket or cavity with a slot located thereon providing access to the pocket or cavity and the other being an inner greeting card which is sized to partially fit into the cavity in the outer greeting card. A sound module is contained and concealed within the outer greeting card cavity, including a switch mechanism. The inner greeting card and switch mechanism work in combination to control the playback of a digital audio file stored on the sound module such that when the inner greeting card is contained within the cavity of the outer greeting card, playback of the digital audio file is deactivated and when the inner greeting card is removed from the cavity of the outer greeting card, playback of the digital audio file is activated.

Abstract: A sign/banner display system having one or more central support structures and a plurality of flexible rods connected to the one or more central support structures to provide a versatile uniquely configurable sign/banner display. The flexible rods can be telescoping in nature and have an engaging means for engaging and securing the sign/banner thereto. The central support structures can be differently configured for hanging or standing applications and can be mixed and matched to create the desired sign/banner.

Abstract: A display apparatus is provided for displaying a jersey with a three-dimensional view with a vision effect of floating in mid-air in an enclosed environment. The display apparatus comprises an outer casing body, a front and a back clear screen, an inner support member, an optional desk support and an opening means. In particular, when a jersey is supported by the inner support member as provided, the support member is invisible such that it contributes to the mid-air floating visual effect. The display apparatus may further comprise components to achieve visual, audio and/or video effects controlled by sensors.

Abstract: A display arrangement for art, such as the art of young children, includes an array of transparent envelopes each of which includes a mat and space to receive art work in the form of sheets disposed on opposite sides of the mat. Transparent envelopes are connected to one another with flexible hinges so that the display is extendible to make both sides of each envelope visible to expose the art work therein and is foldable by bending the hinges so that the transparent envelopes stack upon one another.

Abstract: A roller-style firearm trigger mechanism is disclosed. The trigger mechanism includes a sleeve or bearing which freely spins or rotates around a pin or shaft or that freely spins or rotates within a receptacle that is positioned along, or that replaces, the portion of the firearm trigger that the shooter's trigger finger would normally touch during firearm discharge.

Abstract: A trigger mechanism has a hammer, a hammer spring, a disconnect rest and a sear. The sear translates along a longitudinal axis between a rest position and a break point and also moves in an arc around a rotational axis from the break point to a disconnect position. The sear has a hammer side that presses against and rotates the hammer's cam end of as the sear moves between the rest position and the break point and thereby rotates the hammer's striking end around the hammer's pivot point between its seated and cocked positions. The support side contacts the disconnect rest's face as the sear moves between the rest position and the break point. The support side has an edge that is located at the ledge at the break point position. The hammer spring forces the sear to the disconnect position as the edge moves past the ledge.

Abstract: A weapon safety apparatus comprising a sleeve comprising a cavity portion open to receive a trigger portion of a weapon and free of any structures that impede movement of the trigger. The sleeve further comprises a body portion comprising at least one closed portion preventing access to a trigger of the weapon. The sleeve is shaped to provide access to all loading or unloading components of the weapon. The cavity portion of the sleeve may be further open to receive a handle of the weapon. A method for loading and unloading a weapon using the above weapon safety apparatuses is also provided.

Abstract: An empowered mounting rail is, essentially, an electrical power source, a powered mounting rail capable of passing electrical power to a firearm accessory, and a mounting base. The mounting base can attach the empowered mounting rail to a firearm's mounting rail. An electrically powered firearm accessory can be powered by the electrical power source when fastened to the powered mounting rail portion of the empowered mounting rail.

Abstract: Electrically powered firearm mounting rails are designed to provide electrical power to firearm accessories. A power clamp can tap into the rail electrical power and pass it to other items requiring electrical power. Principal among those items are firearm accessories having battery compartments and designed to be powered by batteries. The power clamp can be connected to power terminals in the battery compartment directly through additional circuitry, through modified battery covers, through false batteries, or through dummy batteries. In this manner, the need to install batteries in the firearm accessory is relaxed and the weight balance of the firearm improved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for aiding the insertion of detachable magazines in AK rifle variants. The magazine well attachment includes a well attachment body having a slit configured to slide over a trigger guard of a firearm during the assembly process. The attachment body includes a beveled well opening for guiding a tilt-lock magazine into the firearm. The beveled well opening includes beveled steps for funneling and centering the magazine during insertion and also includes an angled front well ramp for guiding the magazine into the rifle at an appropriate angle. In order to accommodate the dimensional variances between receivers made by different manufacturers, a front retainer secures the attachment to the magazine opening. The magazine well attachment also includes a rear overhang secured to a ledge of the firearm's trigger guard.

Abstract: A clamp used to attach a flashlight to a firearm having a rail thereon. In the preferred embodiment, the clamp utilizes a sleeve configured to accept a handle of the flashlight. The sleeve has at least one tooth configured to engage the rail on the firearm. A wedge is movably secured to the sleeve such that a simultaneous action by the operator both forces the wedge up a ramp on an interior aspect of the clamp and secures the clamp by compressing the rail between a bracket (which engages both the clamp and the rail) and the tooth on the sleeve.

Abstract: A compact T-handle bullet starter for muzzleloaders is strong, compact and makes loading a bullet into a muzzleloader easy and efficient. The bullet starter includes a handle that is removably attached to a shaft to form a T-shaped design for use. When not in use, the shaft can be removed and stored into the handle, where the threads of the shaft are protected inside the handle.

Abstract: A decoy apparatus configured to simulate the movement of wild game. The decoy apparatus includes a base member having a plurality of leg mounting ports. The decoy apparatus includes a hub having an axle extending through and below the base member. The hub includes a mounting face coupled to the axle and disposed above the base member. The decoy apparatus includes a spool selectably coupleable to the axle of the hub. The decoy apparatus includes a plurality of arms selectably coupleable to the mounting face of the hub. The decoy apparatus includes a plurality of decoys selectably coupleable to the plurality of arms and configured to resemble live wild game. The decoy apparatus includes a plurality of leg members configured to couple to the plurality of leg mounting ports. The decoy apparatus includes a motor module configured to provide selectable motorized movement of the hub.

Abstract: A fly fishing rod and reel system in which the reel is positioned rearward from the proximal end of the rod so that load bearing point is repositioned to the reel and the user's forearm and not the user's wrist when casting and fish fighting. In three embodiments, the reel is attached to a positioning member that positions the reel so that its transverse axis is longitudinally aligned with the rod's longitudinal axis and the reel extends beyond the proximal end of the rod thereby creating a new fulcrum point under the user's forearm when casting and fish fighting. By positioning the reel rearward, the user's wrist can lock when casting and press the reel against the forearm to ensure proper casting technique is used. The fly line is within reach of the user's fingers and the reel may be pressed against the abdomen to create drag on the reel.

Abstract: Provided herein are essential oils and synthetic compounds, and combinations thereof, as repellent compositions for repelling insects, such as members of the Pentatomoidea superfamily, the Superfamily Coreoidea, and the family Miridae, commonly referred to as stink bugs/shield bugs, squash bugs and plant bugs, respectively. Controlled release devices comprising these repellent compositions are also provided. The repellent compositions may additionally be combined with attractant compositions in a type of “push-pull” method. The use of both repellents and attractants can increase the success rate for controlling stink bugs and the like.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes a fuel gel. The fuel gel can be used as a standalone fuel source or as a starter fuel for the combustion of other materials, such as charcoal briquettes for a barbeque or other cooking device. The fuel gel includes water. The fuel gel also includes a polymer. The fuel gel further includes a fuel source.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a dye-stable furnace fuel composition comprising: about 10 to 99 parts by volume of a mineral oil component having an effective boiling range from about 160° C. to about 380° C.; about 1 to 90 parts by volume of a biocomponent fuel component comprising C1-C5 alkyl esterified fatty acids from renewable sources; one or more azo dye components present in an amount from about 0.5 mg/kg to about 5 mg/kg, relative to the total fuel composition; and a tert-butyl-functionalized hydroquinone antioxidant component present in an amount of at least about 50 vppm, relative to the fuel composition, wherein the fuel composition exhibits an increased dye stability, relative to a fuel composition having similar mineral oil and biocomponent fuel components and identical azo dye component(s), but having a different or no antioxidant component.

Abstract: A diesel fuel additive for use in association with bio-diesel fuel and/or petroleum derived diesel fuel having one or more pour-point depressant(s), wherein the pour-point depressant(s) polyglycerol polyricinoleate. Augmentive agents may include at least one of ethylene vinyl acetate and polyethylene vinyl acetate and at least one polyglycerol ester of mixed fatty acids.

Abstract: Methods for producing alcohols and oligomers contemporaneously from a hydrocarbon feed containing mixed butenes using an acid based catalyst are provided. Additionally, methods for producing fuel compositions having alcohols and oligomers prepared from mixed olefins are also provided as embodiments of the present invention. In certain embodiments, the catalyst can include a dual phase catalyst system that includes a water soluble acid catalyst and a solid acid catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the torrefaction of a biomass feedstock for the production of a biofuel, the process comprising: (i) torrefaction of a biomass feedstock in a toroidal bed reactor, wherein the toroidal bed reactor comprises a reaction chamber with a substantially circumferentially directed flow of fluid generated therein to cause the biomass feedstock to circulate rapidly about an axis of the reaction chamber in a toroidal band, and to heat the biomass feedstock, wherein the fluid comprises gas or gases introduced into the reaction chamber and wherein the chamber is maintained under an oxygen-depleted atmosphere.

Abstract: Inventive systems and methods for management of fuel production from diverse type of biomass are described. The systems and methods of the present invention are capable of satisfying demands for fuel having a desired fuel property (e.g., a desired value of higher heating value on a dry basis). These systems and methods rely on strong correlations between various fuel properties in a dry, ash-free regime developed by the present invention. These correlations are surprising and unexpected because these fuel properties do not correlate in a dry regime, where fuel properties are typically specified.

Abstract: A high-rise building (1) is described, which comprises a building structure (2) with floor structures (3), a double-skin facade comprising a first skin (5) and a second skin (6). The high-rise building also comprises at least one conveying system (7, 7?, 7?) arranged between the skins (5, 6) of the double-skin facade and arranged for moving trays (8) vertically between the skins (5, 6) between a starting position (9, 9?, 9?) and an end position (10, 10?, 10?). The conveying system (7, 7?, 7?) comprises essentially horizontal track portions (14) each having a length axis (15), track connecting means (18) which connect the track portions (14), and conveying means for movement of the trays (8) along the length axis (15) of the track portions (14) and along the track connecting means (19).

Abstract: A method for cultivating plants is described. The method comprises the steps of sowing seeds in the growing medium in sterilised pots (17) using a sowing device (7), allowing the seeds to germinate in a germination device (8), automatically moving the pots through a greenhouse (2) to allow the germinated seeds to grow into plants (43), harvesting the grown plants using a harvester (5), and sterilising the pots with the growing medium in a sterilisation device (6) after harvest in order to provide sterilised pots (17) with a growing medium. An arrangement for performing the method is also described.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a method for removing selected ellepots from a plurality of germination ellepot trays and remapping the selected ellepots to a planting ellepot tray is provided. The method can include placing one of a plurality of germination ellepot trays onto an ellepot ejection dock of an ellepot workstation. Each germination ellepot tray comprises an array of ellepot receptacles having an ellepot disposed in each receptacle, wherein each ellepot is populated with a plant germinating therein. The method can additionally include, acquiring tray information identifying the respective germination ellepot tray, and automatically dislodging one or more selected populated ellepots from the respective germination ellepot tray utilizing the acquired germination ellepot tray information. Subsequently, each dislodged populated ellepot is sequentially transferred from the respective germination ellepot tray to one of a plurality of receptacles of a planting ellepot tray.

Abstract: A method and system using remote sensing to estimate soil amendment prescriptions for portions of an agricultural field. The prescriptions are based upon limited soil sampling data that are extrapolated across the entire field according to the greenness of the crop. The prescriptions are delivered by mechanical device or irrigation system that is equipped with a global positioning system.

Abstract: Described are a vertical garden system and method. A mounting panel includes a plurality of first mounting attachment mechanisms. A planting cell module is positioned on a surface of the mounting panel. The planting cell module has a second mounting attachment mechanism constructed and arranged for removably coupling with a first mounting attachment mechanism. The planting cell module has an interior volume in which a plant component is positioned.

Abstract: Batch mode supply of feedstock in non-combustive gasification systems and methods are described. In accordance with an aspect, a feedstock material is injected into a vessel at atmospheric pressure, atmosphere from the feedstock material in the vessel is purged, the purging includes evacuating the vessel, and in response to the pressure level in the vessel being below a predetermined value, injecting synthesis gas generated in a non-combustive gasification system, the vessel is pressurized to a reference pressure greater than an operating pressure of a gasification chamber, a portion of the feedstock material is supplied to an accumulation chamber, further feedstock material is injected into the gasification chamber, and atmospheric pressure in the collection vessel is recovered.

Abstract: A casement window with multi-angle window sash includes a window frame (2) and a window sash (5). The window sash (5) is connected with the window frame (2) by a window hinge mechanical structure and a locking mechanism (7), wherein the mechanical structure of the window hinge includes a quadrilateral link mechanism (4), a movable sliding block (10), a gear (9), and a hinge seat (3); the locking mechanism (7) includes a screw rod (75) with an axial plane (78) and a thread (77). The screw rod (75) realizes the locking of the window sash (5) by meshing the thread (77) with the gear (9), and realizes the opening and closing of the window sash (5) by the axial plane (78). The casement window is simple in structure, low in cost, convenient to install and use, and provides high safety.

Abstract: A powered door latch may be actuated by a capacitive sensor or by movement of a mechanical release device. A controller may be utilized to prevent unlatching of the powered latch unless the vehicle is in Park and/or certain operating conditions are present.

Abstract: A chain drive system for a bi-parting slatted floor in a drive system relies upon two continuous loops of chain, one on each side of the slatted floor that move in opposite directions beneath the slats are arranged side-by-side in the same horizontal plane, at the same level. A single drive motor drives both loops of chain. With the operative portions of the chain sections between drive and idler shafts arranged side-by-side in the same horizontal plane, the vertical amount of space occupied by the chains is significantly decreased compared to the vertically stacked chains of the prior art. This allows the underlying surface onto which items are deposited to be moved vertically upward next to the lower surface of the slatted floor.

Abstract: A coating material is used for coating a substrate by means of laser ablation. The coating material contains graphitic carbon nitride and a dopant in order to alter the properties of the coating produced as compared to a coating of pure carbon nitride.

Abstract: A combined service area, having a first service area; a second service area; and one or more panels movable between: a first configuration wherein the first service area is at least partially covered by the one or more panels and the second service area is accessible; and a second configuration wherein the second service area is at least partially covered by the one or more panels and the first service area is accessible.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, devices and systems to maintain the accessibility and integrity of equipment contained in underground housings. The methods, devices and systems and methods of the present invention maintain the accessibility and integrity of equipment contained in underground housings by providing at least one barrier that prevents burrowing animals from off-loading displaced ground dirt or other debris into the space created by the underground housing.

Abstract: A raised access floor panel with a replaceable insert is provided. The panel includes a cross-braced framework constructed of four side rail members, and at least one cross-brace member. The cross-brace member is connected to the rail members so that the cross-brace member spans an area defined by the rail members. A plate frame is connected to an upper edge of the framework. The plate frame has a centroid void area which is surrounded by a peripheral portion. The peripheral portion includes an inner margin and an outer margin. The outer margin has right-angled corner forming portions. The inner margin is formed with a Z-section profile having a web portion which is capable of receiving the panel insert in fitment with the plate frame so that the insert and the peripheral portion are capable of providing a co-planar working surface.

Abstract: The Downspout Extension Ground Support supports a downspout extension at grade level. In instances where downspouts need to be extended from a structure, the Downspout Extension Ground Support provides support and stability to maintain the correct pitch for drainage to flow through the downspout extension as designed. Without support under the downspout extension it will tend to sag, disrupting the pitch which in turn impedes proper drainage flow; and in some cases causes backflow.

Abstract: In general, the present invention is directed to anchoring devices, and more specifically to a wall anchoring device and method of installing same requiring no soil excavation.

Abstract: A vibration damping device for suppressing vibrations of a structure includes: a slide body mechanism having a concave slide body and a convex slide body which are fixed to the structure and are arranged so as to be slidable relative to each other in a reciprocating manner; and a biasing means which pushes the slide bodies to each other. Each slide body has: a first slide surface having a shape which increases a height of the slide body mechanism 2 along with the increase of a displacement amount of the slide body in one sliding direction from a neutral position relative to the counterpart slide body; and a second slide surface having a shape by which the height of the slide body mechanism is increased along with the increase of the displacement of the slide body in the other sliding direction from the neutral position.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to realize a backfill structure suitable for relatively small-scaled land improvement without causing such a problem that a retaining wall after construction is unstable. A backfill structure for constructing an underground structure is composed of a plurality of wall face panels 1 vertically provided on a front face of a ground portion, coupling members 2 which are inserted through through-holes provided in the wall face panels to be fastened on the front face side of the wall face panels, net-like sheets 3 fastened with the other ends of the coupling members 2, and backfill soil body which is filled on the net-like sheets 3 to bury and fix the net-like sheets 3, where the backfill soil body is filled between the wall face panels 1, the back face side of the wall face panels, and the ground portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for insulating a component of a home or building. An insulated component may include a generally planar surface and a frame positioned atop one side of the generally planar surface. The frame may include a plurality of outer studs coupled together to form an outer periphery and inner studs that divide the frame into one or more sections. One or more of the sections may include a cavity or hollow space. The insulated component may also include a first layer of insulation within one or more of the cavities. The first layer of insulation may include a pour insulation material that transitions from a liquid state or phase to a solid state or phase.

Abstract: A fire or smoke protection device for an opening (12) in building section (14), in particular a gateway, with a flexible, flat fire protection element (16) which can be put into a storage arrangement, in which the fire protection element (16) is folded along creases (18), and a sealing arrangement, in which the fire protection element (16) is unfolded and seals the opening (12), the fire protection element (16) comprising at least one indentation (32) on one side, by means of which the building section (14) can be at least partially surrounded for guiding the fire protection element (16).

Abstract: A solar cell module securing structure includes a solar cell module, a first securing member that supports the solar cell module, a second securing member that includes an installation connecting portion having an installing portion on which the first securing member is installed, an inclined connecting portion extending from the installation connecting portion, and an abutting portion that is bent from the inclined connecting portion so as to extend along a structural surface of a roof structural member, and spacer members which are laminated between the first securing member and the second securing member at multiple stages. Further, a long hole portion having a long hole shape, which penetrates through the installing surface, is formed on the installing portion of the installation connecting portion, thereby making fine adjustment of a securing position of the first securing member with respect to the second securing member.

Abstract: A facade/wall system comprises a number of modules. Each module comprises a plurality of insulating panels which have connection means on opposite sides thereof for interengaging the panels together at joints between the panels. Reinforcing elements in the form of top hat sections bridge the joints between adjacent panels. The top hat reinforcement elements used to interconnect adjacent panels in a module ensure that the composite panels act together as monolithic structure that creates a diaphragm whilst providing a surface to which cladding can be fixed and also providing a cavity between the panels and the cladding attached to the modules. They stiffen the panels and thereby enhance resistance to deflection. The system is cost effective and relatively easy and quick to install.

Abstract: An ecologically sustainable structural panel. The structural panel comprises of a unique gage frame, expanding foam, and ecologically sustainable exterior sheathing boards. The ecologically sustainable structural panel is fireproof, water proof, mold proof, asbestos free, impact resistant, moisture resistant, and bacteria resistant. The ecologically sustainable structural panel is also capable of withstanding winds of up to 150 miles per hour due to unique operative connections between male junctions, female junctions, L-junctions, anchors, and the utilization of pins instead of screws.