Abstract: An automotive paint spray and drying booth having a plurality of walls which, together, define a housing with a chamber sufficient in size to contain an automotive vehicle. An air dispenser is positioned within the chamber and the air dispenser includes an outlet positioned to direct air along one or more of the housing walls. A regenerative blower is positioned outside the housing chamber. The blower is connected to an inlet open outside of the housing chamber and includes an outlet which is fluidly connected to the air nozzle.

Abstract: A steam drier including a rotatable elongated drum (1) and a set of heating elements (2) provided in the interior space within the drum and supported on the drum in order to rotate along with it. Each heating element (2) includes a pair of straight first longitudinal pipes (3, 4) supported in parallel to each other at a distance (A) from each other. The first longitudinal pipes extend in the longitudinal direction of the drum. A pair of end pipes (5, 6) extends substantially transversely relative to the first longitudinal pipes in the vicinity of the ends of the first longitudinal pipes. The end pipes connect the first longitudinal pipes rigidly to each other. The first longitudinal pipes are provided in flow connection to each other through the end pipes in order to allow the flow of steam within the heating element. The heating element (2) includes a set of straight second longitudinal pipes (7) provided in parallel to the first longitudinal pipes (3, 4).

Abstract: A footwear component and a method of making the footwear component are disclosed. The footwear component includes a first portion and a second portion that are joined at a transition zone. The first portion and the second portion have different flexibility characteristics. The footwear component can bend at the transition zone to accommodate the natural bending of a foot.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an adhesive backed heel pad application of a predetermined shape which is designed from a cushioned material with a loop attachment made from leather, vinyl, plastic or fabric material of various colors. The loop attachment will be sewn to the cushioned material which will be adhered to the inside heel of a strapless shoe with permanent adhesive. The ankle strap will be comprised of various colors of like material as the loop attachment. The ankle strap will be inserted through the loop attachment and fasten around the ankle of the wearer with a buckle.

Abstract: A sandal comprising a base sole element and an upper element which enclose a human foot therebetween. Toe separators extend between the base sole element and the upper element, with each of the toe separators providing a wedging separation between adjacent toes of the human foot and the toe separators include a material such as memory foam to provide a cushioning sensation to the adjacent toes in contact therewith. A fabric cover of the memory foam may be textured to provide a massaging sensation as well. Separately the fabric may be comprised of an antimicrobial, antibacterial or antifungal fabric to thereby directly treat the area between the toes normally susceptible to athlete's foot.

Abstract: An automatically girth-adjustable shoe construction for a foot with a normal or a higher than normal instep wherein the effective girth of the shoe is controlled by a means at the ball of the foot connected to a second means at the instep of the foot by a slidably movable girth-adjusting plate located below the midportion of the shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear with an outer member including slots that increase flexibility is disclosed. The outer member also includes an inner plate including a set of protective strips. The inner plate is disposed along an inner surface of the outer member so that the protective strips are aligned with and cover the slots in the outer member.

Abstract: A hinge member incorporated between a footbed toe plate and footbed arch plate allowing a shoe to be configured as a flat or heeled shoe. The footbed toe plate and footbed arch plate are rotatably joined via one or more hinge pins inserted through interlaced teeth of each plate. A spring-biased hinge lock extending between the two plates is controlled by a spring-biased pin in positioned with a notch selectively receiving the hinge lock such that the hinge lock disengages said footbed arch plate allowing said footbed arch plate to rotate relative to said footbed toe plate. The heel block includes a spring-biased heel lock extending into a removable heel and is controlled by a spring-biased pin positioned with a notch selectively receiving the hinge lock such that the hinge lock disengages said heel allowing said heel to be freely removed from said heel block.

Abstract: A golf shoe outsole comprises a thin, flexible base layer having many discrete platforms projecting downwardly from the base layer for providing traction elements. The platforms are separated by channels and open regions to allow the discrete platforms to readily flex relative to one another about the thin base layer, providing enhanced flexibility to the outsole and improved traction performance during a dynamic act such as a golf swing.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a base plate having a structure and studs is disclosed. The structure may moderate stud pressure and enhance support during the first step of sprinting, quick directional changes, and backward movement. The structure may include a medial forefoot pad, a lateral forefoot pad connected to the medial forefoot pad, a medial heel pad, a first lateral heel pad connected to the medial heel pad, a first diagonal rib extending from the medial forefoot pad to the first lateral heel pad, a second diagonal rib extending from the lateral forefoot pad to the medial heel pad, a medial midfoot bar substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and disposed proximate the medial edge, and a lateral midfoot bar substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and disposed proximate the lateral edge.

Abstract: An athletic shoe having cleats, includes an upper and an outsole, wherein the outsole has a front portion capable of receiving the front of the foot, a central portion capable of receiving the middle of the foot, and a rear portion capable of receiving the heel. The rear portion of the outsole includes a hollow shell and a heel seat, the heel seat being removably arranged in a recess formed by the hollow shell, and the rear portion has a portion that is thickened relative to the front portion, the thickened portion being adjustable by modifying the thickness of the removable heel seat.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes at least one illuminable strand located to be visible from an exterior of the article of footwear. In some configurations, the upper includes a power source at least partially embedded within the upper and electrically-coupled to the illuminable strand. In another configuration, the upper includes a foundation layer and a cover layer that are secured to each other, and the illuminable strand is located between the foundation layer and the cover layer.

Abstract: An FRP-made spike sole of the present invention has a plurality of spikes in a front foot portion, wherein: at least one layer of a main reinforcement sheet which is arranged spanning from a front end of the front foot portion to a rear end of a middle foot portion and made of fiber reinforcement coated with a matrix resin is laminated with a layer of a first cut-off sheet which is absent at least in an area in the vicinity of the front end of the front foot portion and which is arranged in the middle foot portion and made of fiber reinforcement coated with a matrix resin; and a front end of the first cut-off sheet is positioned posterior to a front end of a proximal phalanx of a big toe and anterior to a base of the metatarsal bone of the big toe.

Abstract: An improved system and method for protecting the heel area of footwear is disclosed herein. Specifically, a heel protector system is disclosed. Such heel protector system can comprise a rod member mountable above a welt of a shoe, and a sheet further comprising a curved surface, and a horizontal track along the concave side of the curved surface, wherein said horizontal track connects the sheet to the rod member. In another embodiment, the heel protector system can further comprise a sheet which is replaceable by a second sheet. The second sheet can comprise a second curved surface and a second horizontal track along the concave side of the second curved surface, wherein the second curved horizontal track capable of connecting the second sheet to the rod member.

Abstract: A peat moss harvesting apparatus includes a supporting structure attachable to a carrier vehicle, and a conveyor mechanism mounted to the supporting structure. The conveyor mechanism includes first and second pulleys and a belt assembly. The belt assembly includes at least one flexible drive element, a plurality of transverse supports mounted to the drive element, and a plurality of cover members mounted to the transverse supports. The cover members define a support surface for conveying material. The transverse supports may be longitudinally spaced apart from one another along the drive element. Each of the cover members may be fixed to a respective one of the transverse supports.

Abstract: A lock assembly to lock two members together, typically an excavator wear member, such as a tooth, on to an adaptor. The lock assembly has a locking pin with a flange portion and a retaining assembly that receives the locking pin. The retaining assembly includes a locking member, in the form of a locking ring, which deforms radially when a tapered portion of the locking pin is inserted into the retaining assembly. In the locked position, the locking ring engages with the flange portion of the locking pin to prevent withdrawal of the locking pin from the retaining assembly.

Abstract: Fold-away ironing device comprising a frame (12) attached to the wall and in which there is an ironing board surrounded by a mobile frame (18). In a first position, the ornamental front part is visible in the frame fixed to the wall and the ironing board is folded away, and in the second position, the front part is folded away and the ironing board becomes visible. First pivot means comprising a top hinge and a bottom hinge at the right-hand end or at the left-hand end of the frame fixed to the wall forming a vertical axis allowing the ironing board to be pivoted through an angle of around 90° and, on the other hand, two hinges situated at the middle of the horizontal parts of the mobile frame forming the vertical axis (20) allowing the ironing board to pivot so that it becomes visible. Second pivot means allow the ironing board in the second position to be moved from the vertical position into the horizontal position.

Abstract: A trading card (10) that is collectible by one or more users comprises a card body (12) and a first card insert (20). The card body (12) includes a first side (14), an opposed second side (16), and a first slot region (18A) that is formed into at least one of the first side (14) and the second side (16). The first card insert (20) is selectively positioned within the first slot region (18A). Additionally, the trading card (10) can further comprise a second card insert (20) that is selectively and alternatively positioned within the first slot region (18A). The card body (12) can further include a second slot region (18B). Each of the card inserts (20) can be interchangeably positioned within one of the first slot region (18A) and the second slot region (18B).

Abstract: Mobile advertising displays configured to mount to a bicycle having a frame and a wheel, the mobile advertising displays including a mounting mechanism configured to mount to the frame of the bicycle proximate the wheel, a brace coupled to the mounting mechanism, and a display retained on the brace. In some examples, the mobile advertising display is bilaterally mounted to the frame of the bicycle and includes identifying information. In some further examples, the mobile advertising display includes a stabilizer.

Abstract: A graphic panel system for providing a message spanning all or substantially all of a readerboard is provided. According to embodiments of the present invention, panel elements may be combined to form larger graphic images and textual messages. The individual panel elements may be single track height, even though they contain graphics or images that, when the panels are attached to a readerboard, extend for more than one row of the readerboard. Graphic panels having first color images are also provided.

Abstract: A communicating board includes: a display medium including a sheet of fabric, the sheet of fabric comprising, on at least one surface, loops intended to cooperate with a gripping strip provided with hooks; at least one first gripping strip provided with hooks enabling to hold in position the display medium, and at least one substantially rectilinear profile including a first planar connecting surface having the at least one first gripping strip provided with hooks positioned thereon. The first planar connecting surface is inclined towards a rear surface of the display medium when the latter cooperates with the at least one first gripping strip provided with hooks, the first planar connecting surface forming with a visible planar surface of the display medium an angle greater than 30°.

Abstract: This invention relates to countering of the weight caused by high temperature and pressure that arise during the firing of the pistol by this component, instead of the aluminum alloy body; by inserting, into the pistol with light alloy body structure, a bearing component that is all-steel, independent of the body of the pistol, and that can be assembled and disassembled when necessary; elimination of deformations of the aluminum alloy body caused by the high temperature and high pressure; and lengthening the working life of the pistol by increasing the rate of fire.

Abstract: A magazine includes a body member having a front, a back, and opposing side walls that define a first orifice at a first distal end of the body member, a retention plate member having a base, end wall, and retention spring portion, and a planar engagement surface extending from the base portion at an oblique angle relative to the base portion, wherein a portion of the front wall of the body member is disposed in a gap defined by the end wall portion and the retention spring portion, and an end plate member slidably engaging the body member, the end plate member having a base portion that defines an orifice having an engagement surface defining an oblique angle relative to the base portion, wherein the planar engagement surface of the retention plate member is disposed in the orifice in contact with the planar engagement surface of the end plate member.

Abstract: A pistol thumb safety that is capable of being coupled to a frame of a pistol, the thumb safety including a safety body adapted to be movably mounted to the frame so that the body is movable between firing and safe positions. The safety body includes an outer side surface, an inner side surface, and a top portion. A blocking feature is formed along the top portion of the safety body, wherein the blocking portion engages the slide of the pistol when the safety body is in its safe position. As a result, the slide is movable along the safety body for clearing the chamber of the pistol while the safety body is maintained in its safe position.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a handgrip on a forward portion of a firearm. The apparatus includes a mount having an upper portion with a clamp for removably engaging the firearm forward portion. The handgrip, e.g., a pistol handgrip, is symmetrical about a vertical plane passing through the handgrip. The distal portion of the handgrip is offset in the vertical plane from the proximal portion of the handgrip. A pivot means connects the lower portion of the mount to the proximal portion of the handgrip to permit the pivoting of the vertical plane to varying angles on either side of the central axis of the barrel. A lock means locks and unlocks the pivot means to lock the handgrip in position at a selected pivot angle. The apparatus provides the ability of a left handed or right handed shooter to adjust the handgrip to a comfortable position while using the firearm.

Abstract: A finger-tip device facilitating convenient release of a magazine-clip from a gun such as an AR-15 rifle, some of which magazine/release-buttons are configured with a statute-mandated recessed sub-button therein, requiring dexterous insertion of a separate pocket-carried cylindrical probe-tool is disclosed. An index-finger stall adapted with an insertion-pin is provided. Also disclosed is a self-retaining version, which attaches directly into the existing magazine/release sub-button The invention described herein enables the gun user to more efficiently dispatch the spent magazine-clip for a loaded one, in a safer and substantially more efficient time-&-motion manner.

Abstract: Applicant has disclosed a foam swab for cleaning and lubricating firearms. In the preferred embodiment, the invention comprises: a molded plastic shank having a threaded free end and a series of parallel rings spaced between parallel spacers; and a foam cover, preferably made of polyurethane, thermally bonded to the spacers. To clean a firearm, solvent or lubricant is applied to the foam cover. Then the threaded end can be screwed into a gun cleaning rod and the foam swab drawn through a firearm bore.

Abstract: An augmented sight and sensing system that allows both improved pointing accuracy and improved detail of sensing information through a plurality of means that superimposes situation-relevant information on a target image in a manner that allows a composite image, with or without additional sensed information, to be detected at one or more subsequent sensory locations or devices. The system includes beam-splitting means to divide incoming light beams from a target image into two separate beams, one beam that may be collected by a first sensor (such as seen by an observer's eye or alternate sensor such as a camera) and the other collected by a second imaging sensor or module, and means to generate and superimpose information (such as a reticle) on the target image seen by both, and means to collect and transmit the composite image and information.

Abstract: A device for mounting hunting decoys, bird deterrents, trail cameras, and the like to support surfaces.

Abstract: An improved fishing rod holder is provided that includes a base assembly, a rod holder assembly, and a connecting member that connects the base and rod holder assemblies. The connecting member is connected to the rod holder assembly with a first T-joint. The rod holder assembly is configured to hold two fishing poles. The first T-joint is removable from the connecting member such that the connecting member and base assembly may be filled with water or sand to weigh down the fishing rod holder. In a second embodiment the rod holder assembly and the connecting member are the same, but the base assembly is replaced with a triangular-shaped base assembly. In third embodiment stabilization in enhanced, in a fourth embodiment fewer components are required, and in a fifth embodiment a canoe embodiment is presented.

Abstract: A limb line fishing device having a length of fishing line and a hollow indicator tube, wherein the indicator tube slidably receives the fishing line. The indicator tube can be used to determine at a distance whether a fish has been caught. The fishing device is capable of securing a reusable line and a hook when the device is not in use.

Abstract: An aquatic life simulation apparatus and system capable of reading the environmental conditions of the water and configured to modify apparatus' behavioral characteristics based on the recorded data. The apparatus contains a waterproof component having a controller operationally coupled to a sound producing chip having pre-recorded bait fish sounds recorded thereon; a speaker to broadcast said recorded sounds; and a sensor for detecting dynamic movements. The sound chip may be activated upon impact of the apparatus with a body of water and repeat various desired patterns thereafter. Embodiments of the present apparatus contain LED in the eye members and along the body of the lure. The apparatus is configured to communicate with surface electronic devices capable of changing various characteristics of the apparatus based on the changes in the environmental conditions of the water.

Abstract: A twist grip drive handle outrigger device having a locking mechanism for use on a fishing vessel having a first tubular member for holding of an outrigger pole, which is rotatably journaled to a second tubular member that is mounted to a fixed structure. The second tubular member houses a twist grip drive handle assembly that allows manual rotation of the outrigger pole. The driver assembly constructed and arranged to provide an unlocked condition by the twisting of the handle thereby allowing adjustment of the outrigger pole upon rotation of the first tubular member. The rotation of the first tubular member allows for movement of the outrigger pole from a stowage position to a trolling position and vice versa.

Abstract: The process by which materials are applied to a plastic fishing lure surface, thus producing a lure that possesses chromatic vicissitude as a result of water temperature fluctuations. At the onset of this process, a non-thermochromatic base layer of one or more colours is applied to the plastic fishing lure. This layer acts as the visual appearance of the fishing lure in the absence of temperature fluctuations. Clear extender is then used as an additive to the thermochromatic ink. This addition to the ink then allows the ink to be sprayed onto the surface of the lure. This ink-extender amalgam can be applied in multiple layers however; the bottom layer must have the least amount of hue saturation. Each layer thereafter would increase in hue saturation. Multiple hue combinations can be utilized. Once the desired number of thermochromatic layers has been applied, an ultra clear super high gloss lacquer finish is sprayed on to the exterior of all layers.

Abstract: The invention is a baiting station for rodents. The baiting station comprises a housing, a lid, and a partition. The partition is transitional between two positions corresponding to two different modes of use of the baiting station. In the first position, the partition divides the internal space of the housing into a tunnel accessible by a rodent and an enclosed bait compartment that is inaccessible while the lid is closed. In the second position, the partition either lays flat with the bottom wall of the housing or is removed from the housing, thus allowing for placement of mechanical or glue traps within the housing.

Abstract: A method of controlling pests includes applying a trap (10) to a plant. The A trap (10) includes a tube (12) of resilient material with a longitudinal slit (16) in its outer wall (14) for at least part of the length of the tube (12) and a number of apertures (18) in the outer wall. The resilience of the outer wall (14) urges edges of the outer wall on opposing sides of the slit (16) towards each other. The trap (10) is installed by extending the tube (12) around a trunk (20) of the plant, so that its two opposing ends (22, 24) face each other, and inserting one end of the tube (22) inside the opposing end (24) by urging open the slit (16) at the outer end to enlarge the outer end and gripping the inner end by an inward resilient load from the outer wall of the outer end.

Abstract: The present invention includes a new type of bait for wood-targeting pest baiting systems and methods of obtaining the bait. Certain embodiments of the present invention include a blue-stained wood either treated with a solution that includes blue-stain fungi or wood naturally infected with blue-stain fungi. Additional embodiments of the present invention include a blue-stained solution that may be applied to a wood substrate or to a non-wood bait matrix.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus is disclosed. The mixing apparatus comprises a mixing device having a constant flow area. The mixing device is configured to create a shearing environment. Several types of mixing apparatus are disclosed. Methods for producing aqueous fuel emulsions with consistently uniform dispersed phase particle sizes using a mixing apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel composition comprising: (a) a fuel; (b) polyglycerol polyricinoleic acid (c) a monoglyceride of a fatty acid.

Abstract: Low water-containing biomass-derived pyrolysis oils and processes for producing them are provided. The process (200) includes condensing (204) pyrolysis gases including condensable pyrolysis gases and non-condensable gases to separate the condensable pyrolysis gases from the non-condensable gases, the non-condensable gases having a water content, drying (206) the non-condensable pyrolysis gases to reduce the water content of the-non-condensable gases to form reduced-water non-condensable pyrolysis gases, and providing (208) the reduced-water non-condensable pyrolysis gases to a pyrolysis reactor for forming the biomass-derived pyrolysis oil.

Abstract: A rotary kiln includes a stationary burner and at least one electrode configured to apply an electric field and/or voltage to a flame supported by the stationary burner. The electric field may contain the flame and/or accelerate combustion to shift most heat transfer from the flame from radiation heat transfer to convective heat transfer.

Abstract: In a method for gas treatment of coal wherein coal (1, 2) is loaded on a moving mesh conveyor (111, 112) having a quadrilateral mesh and heated gas (11, 12) is circulated from above and below so as to bring the heated gas (11, 12) into contact with the coal (1, 2) via the mesh of the mesh conveyor (111, 112), two layers of coal for lower level stacking (1A, 2A) having a diameter (Dl) that is greater than twice the length (Lss) of the short side of the mesh of the mesh conveyor (111, 112) are loaded on the mesh of the mesh conveyor (111, 112) and coal for upper level stacking (1B, 2B) having a diameter (Du) that is twice said length (Lss) or less is loaded on the coal for lower level stacking (1A, 2A).

Abstract: An apparatus and system for growing plants having a garden structure comprised of a plurality of interconnected trellis panel frames made of frame segments which are connected together by fittings, with attached soil containers for growing plants.

Abstract: A landscaping ground cover system and method is disclosed having a ground mat. The ground mat has one or more fill boundaries defining a plurality of fill areas. At least one of the plurality of fill areas has a fill label corresponding to a pre-defined ground cover fill material to be filled into the corresponding fill area. The fill boundaries may form a graphic design on the mat.

Abstract: A support for plants formed of an elongated member having coils at or adjacent to first and second ends which provide for engagement to one or a plurality of support posts in an elevated position to support plants or a growing structure roof. The supports and coils are formed as a unitary structure and can also include a centrally located coil to provide support for watering and other components for supported plants. A plurality of supports are engageable to form a greenhouse type structure which may be covered with polymeric, shade, or woven material and which may be elevated to provide access to underlying plants.

Abstract: A method for growing plants is disclosed. The method includes the steps of mixing a gel precursor that is characterized by the ability to absorb water, form a viscous gel, provide water and nutrition to a plant, and remain capable of being reconstituted with a fresh supply of water, with a gel-forming nutrient composition in an amount sufficient to create a viscous gel, and adding a plant item selected from the group consisting of seeds and seedlings to the gel.

Abstract: Described herein is a module for covering a surface with vegetation. The module comprises a drainage board having an upper surface for supporting a growth medium. The drainage board has a plurality of moisture receptacles extending downwardly from the upper surface for collecting moisture. The module also comprises a plurality of sidewalls having a multiplicity of apertures therethrough. Each sidewall is coupled to the drainage board and extends upwardly therefrom. The sidewalls cooperate with each other so as to provide a perimeter for surrounding the growth medium. The module may also include other features. For example, the sidewalls may be pivotally coupled to the drainage board (e.g. along a living hinge), the module may include couplers for securing adjacent modules together, the sidewalls may include a reinforcing rib, the drainage board may include an opening for receiving an irrigation nozzle therein, and there may be edging for covering the sidewalls.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems and methods for a vertical planter. Systems and methods according to various aspects of the present invention may comprise a planter system configured for growing plants in horizontal rows wherein each row is arranged vertically with respect to each other row. The planter system may comprise a planter container, a container support, and a vertical support. The vertical support may be coupled to a structure. The container support may be coupled to the vertical support and configured to support the weight and form of the planter container.

Abstract: A planter assembly includes a support and a plurality of planter units configured to attach at the support. The support is an elongated support that is configured to be generally vertical when used in the planter assembly. Each of the planter units includes a planting portion at which a plant may be disposed and each of the planter units is configured to attach at the support at a respective level along the support. Each of the planter units is circumferentially disposed relative to the support and relative to others of the planter units so that the planter units are arranged along the support with the planting portion of each of the planter units being at least partially circumferentially separated or disposed relative to the planting portions of others of the planter units.

Abstract: A system for the production of fuel gas from solid or liquid organic feedstock uses a reentrant structure and a high pressure electric discharge to distinctly separate regions of slow and fast pyrolysis. Efficient re-use of discharge energy sustains the evolution of tar gas, through slow pyrolysis, which forms the feed gas for the discharge without introduction of air. Output is the result of fast pyrolysis and can be optimized to yield a high fraction of hydrogen and low fraction of carbon monoxide.