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: Highway or railroad sign assemblies having partial view obstructing means on their edges, mounted at an inclined position between or above road lanes or railroad tracks wherein vehicles or trains are traveling in opposite directions, and adapted to warn drivers that are going in the wrong direction without confusing drivers going the right way, and methods for so positioning such sign assemblies.

Abstract: A wristband configured adhering rear surface portions of band base material to each other. The present wristband is characterized in that, when winding the wristband on a portion on which the wristband is to be wound. The rear surface of a first winding region (6) having an exposed adhesive layer (3), and the rear surface of a second winding region are adhered to each other such that a first adhesion position guide (18, 19A) and a second adhesion position guide (19) are aligned with each other while a (second adhesion region (23)) of the adhesive layer (3) is left so that the portion can be exposed, whereby the wristband can be formed in a ring shape and wound on the portion on which the wristband is to be wound. The first winding region (6), which has the adhesive layer (3) having the portion so that the portion can be exposed, can be adhered to the front surface of the second winding region (7).

Abstract: A recipient verification system including a band having a base, a strap, and a closure device. The base defines a band identification portion for displaying a recipient identifier. The strap extends from the base, and the closure device is attached to the base opposite the strap. First and second slots are formed through the band. In a primary worn state, the strap is looped about a recipient's appendage and secured to the base via the closure device independent of the slots. In a replacement worn state, the base is severed from a majority of the strap and is secured to the recipient's appendage by a secondary band assembled through the slots.

Abstract: An apparatus for hanging a framed picture is provided. The apparatus comprises a housing configured for fixing to a support surface; a channel through a length of the housing; at least one first engagement surface positioned along a surface of the housing adjacent the channel; at least one pair of opposing arms configured to be biased from each other and moved longitudinally within the channel, each pair of arms comprising: at least one second engagement surface configured to engage with the first engagement surface and a support portion configured to support an edge of a picture frame. The apparatus provides for improved ease of positioning a framed object such as a picture in situ after fixing the housing to a support surface by altering the position of the opposing arms relative to the housing.

Abstract: The present invention is a fixed stock with integral storage that utilizes a cam plug inside the storage compartment to secure the stock to a firearm. In the preferred embodiment, the cam plug interfaces with the hind edge of the stock body and is therefore visible outside the stock, for a stronger and more secure hold.

Abstract: The tactical precision grip includes an elongate body having an upper mounting portion for mounting the grip to existing mounting hardware on a firearm. At least the sides and back of the body include anti-skid surfaces to prevent slip on the hold during operation. An upper depression is formed on the back of the body for placing a user's thumb, and the front of the body includes an elongate, vertical fingertip groove for placing the user's fingertips during shooting. The depression and the fingertip groove encourage user placement of the respective thumb and fingertips to minimize contact with the firearm grip, thereby enhancing trigger control and shooting accuracy.

Abstract: An attachment assembly for securing a sling to a firearm includes a fastener having first and second ends. The fastener is receivable by a hole in the firearm such that the first and second ends are accessible on opposite sides of the firearm. A first opening in the fastener proximal the first end receives the sling. A locking member is receivable by the second end to prevent removal of the fastener from the firearm hole when connected to the firearm.

Abstract: The present invention is a quick detach swivel utilizing pawls to engage a ridge or trench in a socket. The pawls are biased outward by the spurs of two sliding buttons which cam the pawls in an upright and outward orientation. When the buttons are squeezed together, the cam lock is released and the pawls fall into the swivel frame, releasing the swivel body. When pressure on the buttons is released, the buttons return to their normal positions and catch the pawls, returning them to their upright and engaged position.

Abstract: A firearm magazine catch apparatus is provided. The firearm magazine catch apparatus features a frame including a frame structure and a plurality of legs interconnected by and supporting the frame structure. A flexible collection pouch suspended from the frame has an open top and walls sloping from an edge of the frame structure to a central area of the frame structure for catching firearm magazines discharged from a firearm.

Abstract: A mounting device for use with a firearm comprising: (a) a first frame; (b) a second frame, where the first frame and the second frame collectively include a first sphere and a second sphere, where the first frame and the second frame collectively include a first receiver configured to restriction motion of the first sphere in at least one degree of freedom, where the first frame and the second frame collectively include a second receiver configured to restriction motion of the second sphere in at least one degree of freedom, and where the first frame and the second frame collectively include a projection and a lock configured to engage the projection and: (a) restrict motion of the first sphere in a degree of freedom not restricted by the first receiver, and (b) restrict motion of the second sphere in a degree of freedom not restricted by the second receiver.

Abstract: A firearm sighting aid, which includes a planar block of lightweight material, the planar block forming a three-dimensional shape defined by at least a width, a height and a thickness and forming a planar support base, a planar first side and a planar second side, the planar block of material also defining a substantially cylindrical passageway sized and configured to receive at least a portion of a firearm barrel, the cylindrical passageway extending through the planar block between openings at each of the planar first side and planar second side, respectively, and along a longitudinal center axis which is substantially parallel to and offset from a plane occupied by the planar support base.

Abstract: A wildlife attractor device is disclosed. The wildlife attractor device may include a tail, a mounting surface positioned adjacent to the tail that is capable of mounting the attractor device to a support structure, and a control assembly connected to the tail. The control assembly is preferably capable of moving the tail between a first position and a second position thereby attracting the attention of wildlife such as a deer.

Abstract: Fishing lures are generally provided that, in one embodiment, include: a lure body comprising a pin; a lip extending from the lure body, wherein the lip defines a slot therein; and a line tie arm comprising a line tie loop and a pivot ring connected to opposite ends of a beam, with the pivot ring being rotatably attached to the pin. The line tie arm is positioned such that the line tie loop extends through the slot defined in the lip when in a fishing position.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for killing flying insects comprises an open framework (12) having a lower portion (14) adapted to be located under ground level so as to define an in-ground enclosure, and an upper portion (16) which is adapted to be located above ground level and is continuous with the lower portion. The lower portion of the open framework includes a mesh (20) to prevent collapse of the ground around the enclosure. The apparatus (10) also includes means (24, 26) for spraying controlled amounts of insecticide into the in-ground enclosure, and a lid (22) for covering the top of the upper portion. In use, flying insects, such as sand flies and mosquitoes, may gain access into the in-ground enclosure by entering through an opening (28) in the open framework at the sides of the upper portion, and any such flying insects within the in-ground enclosure are killed by exposure to sprayed insecticide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for protecting the lower regions of and structure of a building (10) from damage or degradation by termites. The method comprises the steps of creating a region in the ground below the building having properties hostile to termites whereby to discourage them from approaching the vicinity of the building. In one embodiment means for creating a hostile region in the ground below the building are provided by a pump (12) which creates a superatmoshpheric pressure field (40) in this region. Treatment agents (31) such as ozone may be delivered to the ground region in order to provide a hostile effect to the termites by affecting their pheromone chemistry and/or their reproductive or communicative behavior. A secondary function of the present invention relates to the creation of a forced ventilation (46) of the habitable region (18) within which the apparatus of the present invention resides.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elongate hollow body (1) for controlling parasites in a bird house, comprising at least one opening (15) in the wall of the hollow body (1) for receiving the parasites in the interior of the hollow body (1), and a means for killing the parasites, arranged detachably in the interior. The means can be activated in a predetermined manner and emits electromagnetic radiation. The invention also relates to a method for controlling parasites in a bird house, in which the hollow body (1) is used.

Abstract: A process for controlling the simultaneous production of hydrocarbons with boiling points in both the diesel fuel range and the aviation fuel range from renewable feedstocks originating from plants or animals other than petroleum feedstocks is described. The hydrocarbon product can be adjusted by changing the feedstocks without requiring different process equipment.

Abstract: The moisture absorption capacity of biofuels can be more or less 10 times that of fossil diesel oil, causing biofuels to form acids that induce metal corrosion and form deposits in the fuel tank and pipe lines. Methods for removing moisture from stored biofuels and plant oils are described wherein glycerol is used as a solvent to extract the moisture from the bioliquid or oil, comprising the steps of placing the biofuel or oil in fluid contact with glycerol, incubating for a time, and then removing the glycerol. A cellulous ester dialysis or other semi-permeable membrane may be used to prevent the glycerol from contaminating the biofuel while allowing moisture to pass. Crude glycerol produced as a by-product of biodiesel production may be used in the method of the disclosed invention with good result. Preferred embodiments of apparatus that employ the method of the subject invention are described.

Abstract: A separation process with a modified enhanced hot separator system is described. The process eliminates undesirable entrainment while allowing for enhanced stripping of the net liquid only. The modified enhanced hot separator system combines a hot separator with a hot stripping column.

Abstract: A process that directly converts carbohydrates, particularly biomass derived carbohydrates and more specifically biomass (e.g., lignocellulosic biomass), to furfural-/HMF-ketone adducts for liquid hydrocarbon production under mild conditions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a liquid fuel and production process thereof, the liquid fuel comprises dialkyl carbonates with the structural formula of wherein R and R? are same or different, and R and R? are selected from the group consisting of C1-C8 linear chain alkyl, C3-C8 branched chain alkyl, C3-C8 naphthene base and alkyl containing furan ring. The process of the production of the liquid fuel comprises the steps of: performing a cycloaddition reaction between 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran produced by hydrogenation from furfural which is a biomass derivative and carbon dioxide to produce a cyclic carbonate (i.e. 1,4-pentanediol carbonate), then performing an ester exchange reaction between the cyclic carbonate and monohydric alcohol to produce the dialkyl carbonate.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes liquid compositions that can be used for marking liquid hydrocarbon-based fuels and combustibles; these compositions include at least one marker, one or more solvents and, optionally, one or more functional additives other than the markers. The disclosure also includes a process for qualitative and quantitative detection of these markers present in a liquid hydrocarbon-based composition.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon-containing mixture including acetylene and butenyne is disclosed. The hydrocarbon-containing mixture can include 10% to 89% acetylene, 10% to 89% butenyne, and at least 0.25% dimethyl butadiyne. A method and system for producing the hydrocarbon-containing mixture is also disclosed. The system can include an acetylene production subsystem comprising at least one vessel and an acetylene output for delivering acetylene to a finishing vessel via a finishing vessel inlet. The finishing vessel can include a diffuser in fluid communication with the finishing vessel inlet, and gas exiting the diffuser can pass through a reaction chamber filled with solid calcium carbide before passing through a finishing vessel outlet.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for production and recovery of volatile organic compounds and higher hydrocarbons from biomass material. One embodiment comprises contacting a solid component of a biomass material with a digestive solvent to form a digested biomass stream, and at least a portion of the digested biomass is further thermocatalytically treated to generate higher hydrocarbons. The solid component is generated by a method comprising introducing a biomass material to a compartment of a solventless recovery system, wherein the biomass material contains one or more volatile organic compounds; contacting the biomass material with a superheated vapor stream in the compartment to vaporize at least a portion of an initial liquid content in the biomass material; separating a vapor component and a solid component from the heated biomass material; retaining at least a portion of the gas component for use as part of the superheated vapor stream.

Abstract: Methods of harvesting algae, and using algae as a biofuel, livestock feed, or food supplement are provided. The methods comprise contacting liquid algae suspensions with a filtration media. Depending upon the filtration media, the resulting algae and filtration media admixture is then utilized as a biofuel, livestock feed, food supplements, or for the extraction of algae oil. Admixtures comprising a combustible filtration media, such as coal, are particularly preferred. The methods are suitable for use with any algae species. Compositions for use as a biofuel, livestock feed, or food supplement are also provided. These compositions comprise an admixture of algae and a filtration media.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of handheld vibrating pollinators. Also disclosed are exemplary embodiments of pollination methods. In an exemplary embodiment, a pollinator generally includes a pollen capture device (e.g., a spoon, etc.) for capturing pollen released from a flower. The pollinator also includes a handle portion operable for generating vibrations and at least one member (e.g., one or more wands, etc.) configured to be installed on the handle portion. The at least one member is operable for transferring the vibrations generated by the handle portion to a flower for causing the flower to release pollen for capture by the pollen capture device.

Abstract: The plant cultivation system includes: a circulatory system including axises installed in a corresponding portion of a frame installed in a cultivation room; chain gear axis-installed in the axises respectively; a left and a right chains; and a deduction motor connected and installed onto any axis of the axises; cultivating pot members including a can body, and a hook plate, fixed to left and right ends of the upper surface of the can body; and for moving and circulating in the inner space of the cultivation room by rotatably installing as hanging between the left and a right chains by the left and right hook axises and the hook plate; a medicinal fluid supplier; and an air blower, installed in the cultivation room.

Abstract: Provided is a raised-bed gardening container, including a base, a feeding tube, and a cover frame. The base may include a bottom edge; a top rim at least 36 inches above the bottom edge; an exterior sidewall extending between the bottom edge and the top rim; an interior sidewall extending from the top rim to a bottom interior, the interior sidewall and bottom interior defining an interior volume for containing a gardening media, the interior volume having a diameter of greater than approximately four feet; a feeding tube support generally centrally disposed in the base; and a gardener passage extending to the feeding tube support and having a width configured to allow a gardener to walk through the gardener passage to the feeding tube support.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to an automatic hydroponic cloning apparatus, more particularly to an automatic hydroponic cloning apparatus to provide a thin mist for watering the roots of plants. In one example embodiment, the automatic hydroponic cloning apparatus is configured to: circulate mist to provide humidity to the leaves of plants, to control water temperature, to control humidity levels, to be notified of low water levels, and to measure pH levels of the water.

Abstract: An ornamental horticultural pot and a method for producing an ornamental horticultural pot comprising the steps of positioning and stacking stones (P) in the form of a wall against the internal walls of a mould (M) which has a predefined shape corresponding to the desired external shape of the horticultural pot; distributing a pasty binding component (B) over the bottom of the mould (M) and against the internal wall formed by the stack of stones (P); perforating the pasty binding component (B) in order to position at least one part that unblocks a hole (O) provided in the bottom of the mould (M) for draining water, said part having a height greater than the planned thickness of the bottom of the pot; allowing the pasty binding component (B) to dry for a length of time so that it solidifies; and removing the resulting horticultural pot from the mould (M).

Abstract: An integrated environmental sustaining apparatus for maintaining a terrarium is adapted to simultaneously regulate temperature and deliver water droplets. The apparatus includes three major systems; a thermoelectric device, a water droplet delivery system, and a thermostat. The thermoelectric device is used to release heat or absorb heat. The water droplet delivery system includes a water pump, a water pipe and at least one water droplet dispersing device connected to the water pipe. A section of the water pipe is coupled to the thermoelectric device such that water flowing inside the water pipe will thermally communicate with the thermoelectric device. The thermostat is used to power on or off the thermoelectric device and the water pump in response to the temperature measurement inside the terrarium in relation to a predetermined temperature range determined by a low-temperature setting and a high temperature setting that can be programmed into the thermostat.

Abstract: A container (and method of making it) for sensing and displaying the growing condition of a growing plant in a medium (such as soil) including a first indicator (preferably a colored indicator) that the growing medium is too moist, a second indicator (preferably of a different color) indicating that the growing medium is too dry and an optional indicator regarding the condition of a power supply which powers the sensing and indicating. The indicating circuits are designed for a longer useful life.

Abstract: A smoke and heat evacuator that can be applied at an opening of a generally vertical wall of a closed environment, includes a supporting frame bearing a shutter, which oscillates between a normally closed position and an open position via at least one lateral linkage having a first arm that, in the closed position, extends obliquely, with a top end articulated to the shutter via a slider subject to the downward-thrust action of a spring and with a bottom end articulated to the supporting frame via a second lengthenable arm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing an indication of movement from a sensor signal from a position transmitter (9), wherein the indication of movement indicates a speed of movement, wherein the sensor signal from the position transmitter (9) generates an edge following a movement via a particular path range having the following steps:—a pulse duration (dT) is ascertained (S1) as the interval of time between the last two provided edges of the sensor signal;—depending on whether a period which corresponds to the pulse duration (dT) has elapsed since the last provided edge of the sensor signal, an indication which is dependent on the pulse duration (dT) or an indication which is dependent on the period since the last edge of the sensor signal is provided (S4, S6) as an indication of movement.

Abstract: A pet door with locking flaps, or lockable pet door. The lockable pet door includes a barrier flap surrounded by one or more locking flaps mounted in the pet door frame. The locking flaps, the barrier flap, and the pet door frame cooperate to provide selective direction control allowing ingress, egress, both, or neither. Each locking flap is independently and selectively attached to the frame of the pet door to prevent movement of the locking flap. Each locking flap defines a through opening. In use, the animal passes through the locking flap on the entry side of the pet door and the locking flap on the exit side moves with the barrier flap. When locked, each locking flap prevents the barrier flap from pivoting to that side of the pet door blocking passage in that direction.

Abstract: A threshold assembly for use with an entryway system disposed within a structure having an exterior and an interior. The threshold assembly has a sill base extending between an exterior side for facing the exterior and an interior side for facing the interior. The threshold assembly has a rail disposed above the sill base and movable between initial and sealed positions. The threshold assembly has a drainage element disposed beneath the rail having a height relative to the sill base and sloping away from the interior side of the sill base such that the height decreases from the interior side to the exterior side for providing positive drainage of any fluid that may infiltrate beyond the rail from the threshold assembly at the exterior side. The threshold assembly has a biasing member coupled to the rail and contacting the drainage element and biasing the rail into the initial position.

Abstract: A sealing strip for a motor vehicle is provided. The sealing strip includes a sealing structure able to be brought into operative position against a window pane of the motor vehicle and a fastening structure for fastening the sealing strip on a body part of the motor vehicle. The fastening structure has a mount able to be fitted onto an end of the body part and has at least one connecting section. The connecting section is able to be brought into operative position against an abutment of the body part to form, with the sealing strip fitted on, a form-fitting locking of the sealing strip and the body part against one another.

Abstract: A sealing member for a vehicle opening includes a first co-extrusion layer formed from a first elastomeric composition, a second co-extrusion layer formed from a second elastomeric composition, and a third co-extrusion layer formed from a thermoplastic vulcanizate composition. The first co-extrusion layer defines a mounting channel, a window channel, and a front face spaced from the mounting channel and the window channel. The second co-extrusion layer has a portion disposed on the front face of the first co-extrusion layer and a sealing lip disposed on the first co-extrusion layer abutting the portion and extending away from the first co-extrusion layer towards a distal end. The third co-extrusion layer is disposed on the portion and the sealing lip of the second co-extrusion layer for covering segments of the second co-extrusion layer that are visible from an exterior of the vehicle.

Abstract: A pit lid comprising a frame defining the perimeter of the pit lid, and a web bonded thereto, said web including a substantially planar core to each face of which is bonded a plurality of layers of reinforcing material, a layer of printable permeable tissue bonded to the outer face of the uppermost layer of reinforcing material, and a non-skid coating forming the topmost layer of the web of the pit lid, and a method of constructing said pit lid.

Abstract: An engineered coated abrasive product having a backing, a frontfill coat, a make coat, and/or a size coat, wherein at least one of the coats includes fibrillated fibers. The coated abrasive product is capable of improved inter-layer adhesion, retention of abrasive grains, and/or maintenance of abrasive grains in a more desirable orientation for grinding.

Abstract: Provided are a method for producing an alumina sintered compact satisfying the following (1) and (2), which comprises mixing and sintering an ilmenite powder and an alumina powder; the alumina sintered compact obtained according to the production method; and an abrasive grain and a grain stone. (1) The total amount of the TiO2-equivalent content of the titanium compound, the Fe2O3-equivalent content of the iron compound and the alumina content is at least 98% by mass; (2) The total amount of the TiO2-equivalent content of the titanium compound and the Fe2O3-equivalent content of the iron compound is from 5 to 13% by mass.

Abstract: Provided are an alumina sintered compact containing a titanium compound and an iron compound, wherein FeTiAlO5 grains exist in the grain boundary of the alumina grains and the mean grain size of the FeTiAlO5 grains is from 3.4 to 7.0 ?m; and an abrasive grain and a grain stone using the alumina sintered compact.

Abstract: A hardfacing composition for downhole well tools, such as earth-boring bits, contains sintered ultrahard particles. The ultrahard particles consist of tungsten carbide grains, cobalt and vanadium. The ultrahard particles are dispersed within a matrix metal of iron, nickel or alloys thereof. The composition may also have sintered tungsten carbide particles of a larger size than the ultrahard particles. The ultrahard particles have a greater hardness than the sintered tungsten carbide particles. The ultrahard particles and the sintered tungsten carbide particles may be in a spherical pellet form. Other hard metal particles may be in the composition.

Abstract: Provided are fine abrasive particles which have a high rate of polishing and generate few polishing flaws. A process for producing then abrasive particles is also provided in which the fine abrasive particles have a reduced coefficient of fluctuation in particle diameter, the production steps are simple, and the production cost is low. The fine abrasive particles comprise cerium oxide, at least one element selected from La, Pr, Nd, Sm, and Eu, and one or more element selected from Y, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu, and are characterized in that the cerium oxide has a Ce content of 20 mol % or higher and that the sum (mol %) of the content of the at least one element selected from La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Nd Eu and the content of Ce in the cerium oxide is greater than the sum (mol %) of the contents of the one or more elements selected from Y, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu.

Abstract: An airbeam includes at least a pair of inflatable beams each having an inner sleeve, middle sleeve and outer cover. Each sleeve is stitched to form flat side seams. The sleeves are inverted so that each flat side seam is disposed cantilevered inwardly on the inside of the sleeve. A linear common seam bisects the stitched side edges of the outer cover to form a pair of outer sleeves. One middle sleeve is nested within each outer sleeve. One inner sleeve is nested within each middle sleeve. One inner tube is nested in each inner sleeve. The nesting is arranged so that the side seams of the inner and middle sleeves are adjacent one another or overlap one another along, their entire length and so that the side seams of the outer cover are adjacent or overlap the side seams of the middle sleeve.

Abstract: A riser assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a first skin. A second skin is spaced from the first skin. A core is disposed between the first skin and the second skin. A framework is disposed between the first skin and the second skin. A portion of the framework is positioned laterally outside the core.

Abstract: I have a device that prevents structure gutters from becoming clogged from debris, foreign matter, and any other object that can enter a gutter system and impede water flow.

Abstract: A snow barricade mounting system for use with a membrane roof system is provided. The system includes a bracket having a base plate and an upstanding arm, and a means for securing the bracket to membrane roof. The system further comprises a membrane patch comprised of a material corresponding to the membrane layer. In one embodiment, bracket is coated with a material corresponding to the membrane layer and the membrane patch, such that when membrane patch is secured a complete seal between both the membrane patch and the base plate, and between the membrane patch and the membrane layer, is achieved. In an alternative embodiment, a sheet of material corresponding to the membrane layer material is secured to the top side of the base plate. A method of securing a snow barricade mounting system to a membrane roof system is also provided.

Abstract: Fall protection systems, methods of installing such systems, and buildings embodying such systems. Such fall protection system extends from structure elements of the building about an encompassed space into which there is risk of a person falling. An open-mesh web is supported from the structure elements and overlies, and extends across, the space. A perimeter band extends about the encompassed space. The perimeter band is secured to the building structure elements about the space and thus entraps the web between the band and the building structure elements. The web may also be supported in the space by supplemental supports, which can be crossing support bands, attached to the structure elements, or intervening e.g. walls within the space. The web is left in place and is covered by internal finish materials whereby the web is captured between internal finish materials and ceiling and/or floor members in the finished building.