Abstract: A substrate treating apparatus for drying substrates with a solvent vapor after treating the substrates with a treating liquid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a preheat module, which comprises a heating chamber, a blower and a platform; the heating chamber comprises a heating device and a first inlet; the blower comprises a second inlet and a first outlet, and the second inlet is connected to the heating chamber; the platform comprises a third inlet and a second outlet, and the third inlet is connected to the first outlet; the first inlet and the second outlet are set in a same plane. An advantage of the present invention is that it can reduce the energy consumption also can satisfy the requirement of conserving electrical power and protecting the environment.

Abstract: A multi-step system and method for curing a dielectric film in which the system includes a drying system configured to reduce the amount of contaminants, such as moisture, in the dielectric film. The system further includes a curing system coupled to the drying system, and configured to treat the dielectric film with ultraviolet (UV) radiation and infrared (IR) radiation in order to cure the dielectric film.

Abstract: An expandable and customizable cabinet apparatus for supporting clothes when hanging them to dry includes a housing that forms an enclosure with an opening on one side. A door connected to the housing is able to open to substantially 180 degrees. A frame is connected in a hinging arrangement to the housing allowing it to swing relative to the housing between the housing and the door. The frame includes an anchoring grid. A series of articulating hanging racks are affixed to the anchoring grid and held in a horizontal position with support members. The hanging racks may be articulated downward to a position flush with the anchoring grid, and the enclosed with the frame inside the housing and door when closed.

Abstract: A method of treating an elongate wood member is provided, the wood member having an outer surface and a cross-section. The method includes (1) forming a plurality of holes into the outer surface of the wood member; (2) introducing a treatment composition which includes a boron-containing compound into the plurality of holes; and (3) steam treating the wood member for a duration of from about 15 minutes to about 24 hours, the steam having a temperature of from about 80° C. to about 150° C. The steam treatment causes the boron-containing compound to diffuse from the formed holes into the cross-section of the wood member.

Abstract: A dryer is provided. The dryer may include an expansion valve that may be varied in response to changes in operation mode. The dryer may be a condensation type heat pump dryer, and, in an operation method thereof, the expansion valve may be varied according to an on/off of a solenoid valve corresponding to a selected operation mode. In a first operation mode the heater may be turned on so that heating is supplied by both the heat pump and the heater to provide for rapid drying. In a second operation mode the heater may be turned off to provide for more economical operation. By employing multiple operation modes, a required refrigerant flow rate may be controlled.

Abstract: A laundry treating apparatus having a heat pump may include a drum, and a heat pump that cools air received from the drum and then heats the cooled air. A heater may heat air transmitted from the heat pump to the drum. A sensing device may sense a state of a heating medium, such as temperature or pressure, and a controller may control the heater based on the sensed state of the heating medium. Speed drying may be performed, energy efficiency may be increased, and durability of the heat pump may be enhanced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for hunting big game animals using boot covers of the type used in hospital surgery rooms to keep odors from a hunters boots from being transmitted to the ground or by wind currents. The boot covers are ideally treated with substances that are naturally occurring in the area where the big game are being hunted, examples being cedar oil, corn oil, soybean oil, acorn oil and/or urine from the species of big game animal being hunted.

Abstract: A insole pad (1; 51) for placement on top of an inner sole of footwear and adapted in use to cover only an area of that inner sole that is substantially smaller than the human footprint. The insole pad (1; 51) includes a relatively thin, sheet-like body that has an upper surface (33) and a lower surface (41) and an outer periphery (25). The lower surface (41) has sticky or adhesive properties, and is interrupted by recessed areas arranged in a pattern (5; 55). The pattern (5; 55) is configured to include a plurality of channels combined to be at least intersecting or joining, so as to define a plurality of differently sized non-recessed lower surface areas. At least a portion of the channels vary in width, while the pattern has a varying density to provide high and low cushioning values in predefined areas A, B, C; G).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a shoe insert having a raised heel creating a rigid inner sole extending from the heel to the end of the arch of the foot such that any athletic shoe can be modified for use as a weight lifting shoe by inserting the shoe insert. The insert is capable of being secured into any footwear, thus eliminating the cost of specific shoes for weight lifting activities.

Abstract: A shoe may include sole portions that are interchangeable with one another. That is, one of the sole portions may be removed from the shoe and replaced by another one of the sole portions. The interchangeable sole portions may include a common set of features (e.g., structure, design, color, etc.). Alternatively, each of the interchangeable sole portions may include a unique features, such that features of the shoe may be modified by exchanging sole portions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a shoe construction that includes an upper that has an interior surface and a corrugated exterior surface of rapid manufactured material. The upper interior surface and corrugated exterior surface form a lattice-interlace surface. The lattice-interlace surface includes the interior surface that has a plurality of horizontal laths, the corrugated exterior that has a plurality of vertical laths, and a plurality of lattice apertures that extend from an interior of the shoe to an exterior of the shoe. The shoe construction further includes an interior sole portion of sintered material. The interior sole portion forms a tessellated framework. The tessellated framework includes a lattice of hollow cubes; each hollow cube has a top surface opening and a bottom surface opening, the openings extending from an interior of the shoe to an exterior of the shoe.

Abstract: A cowboy boot includes a front and a back shaft each having an inner lining and a cut out formed through each of the front and back shafts, a pocket formed by each of the inner linings of the front and back shafts and positioned adjacent to a cut out, the pockets configured to receive an insert therein with at least a portion of the insert exposed through the cutout and an insert received in each of the pockets with at least a portion of the insert exposed through the cut out.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for an articulated ankle-foot orthosis with a selectively retractable stop are presented. The orthosis includes at least one of a foot mold, a shank mold, a forefoot sensor, a heel sensor, a stop, and a connecting mechanism. The stop is positioned between the foot mold and the shank mold, and the stop is selectively retractable between a closed position and a generally opposing open position that allows plantar flexion of the foot mold during the stance phase of a typical human gait cycle. The connecting mechanism is configured to move the stop from the closed position to the open position in response to a signal from the heel sensor indicating a heel-strike event. The connecting mechanism is also configured to move the stop from the open position back to the closed position in response to a signal from the forefoot sensor indicating a toe-off event.

Abstract: An outsole for a shoe having a plurality of convex shaped protrusions, which may be substantially spherical in shape, with predetermined lateral diameter to vertical height ratios. In some embodiments said convex shaped protrusions have different diameters, with some protrusions having a larger diameter and being located on a bottom outward surface of said outsole over acupressure points on the bottom of the foot.

Abstract: A snowplow assembly may include a vehicle attachment component, a blade support component and a snowplow blade that are each formed in a rotational molding process. These components may be manually assembled and manually attached to the vehicle. The snowplow blade may be manually positioned adjusted.

Abstract: A display device and a display method using magnetic particles are disclosed. The display method includes: applying a first magnetic field to a plurality of particles in a state where the plurality of particles having a magnetic property and a certain color are dispersed in a solvent so that the plurality of particles are aligned in a direction parallel to a direction of the first magnetic field, and thus a plurality of particle chains are formed; and applying a second magnetic field to at least a part of the formed plurality of particle chains so that at least a part of the plurality of particle chains moves in a direction close to a display surface in an area to which the second magnetic field is applied, and thus the certain color is displayed on the display surface.

Abstract: A support component comprises a tab configured to be coupled to a bar (as comprises a part of an item to be suspended), the tab including a plurality of openings disposed therethrough and configured to receive an overhead support interface (such as a corresponding flexible link) to thereby provide overhead support to the bar. These openings can be laterally offset from one another to facilitate selecting a particular pitch orientation for the bar. The tab can have a non-circular hole disposed therethrough sized and configured to receive the bar. This hole can include a surface that is configured to key with respect to a corresponding bar surface to thereby prevent the bar from rotating.

Abstract: This disclosure is concerned with a readily changeable sign display system which facilitates easy alteration of the sign indicia displayed but is also resistant to unauthorized tampering so that it can be deployed where it is not under continuous surveillance when exposed to the general public. It comprises vertical frame members which provide tracks for the insertion of horizontal frame members. In some embodiments the vertical frame members are joined to each other with a backing member while in other embodiments intermediate channel members are placed between the vertical frame members and adjacent members are joined by a backing member. The horizontal frame members carry grooves for the insertion of sign panels which carry indicia. The tracks for the horizontal frame members carry removable obstructions which hold these members in the tracks. The obstructions at the upper end of the tracks are readily removable.

Abstract: A moisture-protected, bi-directionally viewable portable sign display having a rectangular frame with a removable side that enables configuring a plurality of indicia bearing signs and which is supported by a removable support structure that includes features to prevent moisture damage.

Abstract: Described herein is a picture framing system comprising a frame and at least one display panel. The frame comprises one or more first portions of a coupling mechanism and the at least one display panel comprises corresponding one or more second portions of the coupling mechanism. The frame further comprises at least one of a baseboard, sideboard, cross-bar, and support beam. The at least one of a baseboard, sideboard, cross-bar, and support beam may be one of coupled an integrated to another of the baseboard, sideboard, and cross-bar. The coupling mechanism is adapted to removably couple the panel to the frame without removing the frame from the wall or re-leveling the frame upon coupling a new panel to the frame.

Abstract: The present invention involves techniques for rapid, flexible, partial and supplemental reloading of firearms using specialized actions, intermediate storage devices/feeds and multiple magazines, which may, in some embodiments, be simultaneously engaged with a firearm. The techniques disclosed include a feeding system, which may be a multiple-magazine feeding system, that allows a firearm to remain loaded and firing-ready with multiple loaded cartridges at all times, even during reloading operations. The invention also includes other techniques for flexible, non-wasteful, partially-empty reloading, to eliminate reloading paralysis, and allow the soldier or other user, not the size of a magazine, to determine when firing should continue and when and if it should pause.

Abstract: A system for reducing a recoil force transmitted upon firing of a firearm. The system includes a first stock portion having a first proximal end coupled to a receiver of the firearm and a first distal end having a distal contact surface, a second stock portion having a second proximal end with a proximal contact surface and a second distal end having a rear contact surface, and a resilient insert positioned between the distal contact surface and the proximal contact surface which is compressible by the relative motion between the first and second stock portions. The gun stock further includes a guide structure extending between the first stock portion and the second stock portion to control the relative motion between the first and second stock portions in response to the recoil force transmitted upon firing of the firearm.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism selectively attachable to a rifle. The adjustment mechanism includes a riser body configured to be operably connected to a butt end of the rifle and a butt plate rotatably connected to the riser body. The butt plate is configured to be selectively rotated between at least a first position and a second position relative to the riser body. In some instances the butt plate attaches to a butt pad of the rifle and as the butt plate rotates between the first position and the second position, the butt pad rotates correspondingly. The adjustment mechanism also includes a cheek piece rotatably supported above the riser body and selectively rotatable relative to the riser body between a support position and a release position and in the support position the cheek piece extends along a top surface of the rifle and in the release position the extends along a side of the rifle.

Abstract: A duplex weapon system that is capable of firing a high-mass/low-velocity (“HMLV”) projectile followed by a conventional projectile such as a bullet. A barrel adapter is aligned with the bore of the barrel of a conventional firearm. The barrel adapter includes an adapter bore running completely through its length, with the adapter bore terminating in an exit in the forward portion of the barrel adapter. The HMLV projectile is slidably attached to the exterior of the barrel adapter. The HMLV projectile includes a launch tube that covers the exit of the barrel adapter. When a first cartridge is fired by the firearm, expanding propellant gas rashes down the adapter bore and out the exit. The expanding gas forces the launch tube and the attached HMLV projectile away from the barrel adapter. The HMLV projectile then flies toward a target.

Abstract: A magazine holder for use with a gun includes a cavity configured to receive at least two magazines and a biasing member in the cavity and configured to engage at least one magazine located in the cavity to maintain the at least one magazine in the cavity.

Abstract: A dot sight includes a base, a housing, a reflective element, an emitter, a horizontal adjusting portion and a vertical adjusting portion. The housing is coupled to the base. The reflective element is coupled to the housing. The emitter provides a reticle image to the reflective element. The reflective element reflects at least a portion of the reticle image. The emitter is coupled to the housing. The horizontal adjusting portion adjusts a position of the housing relative to the base. The vertical adjusting portion adjusts a position of the housing relative to the base.

Abstract: A laser sight for a gun having a stock and an accessory mounting rail, which includes a laser sight that has a housing having a longitudinal axis. The housing has a front end, and a rear end spaced from the front end along the longitudinal axis, and includes a laser module disposed in the housing proximate the front end. The laser sight further includes an optical sighting system that has a front sight disposed on top of the housing adjacent the front end, and a rear sight disposed on top of the housing proximate the rear end.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enabling an integrated multifunction scope for optical combat identification and other uses. The functionality of Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES) is combined with Optical Combat Identification Systems (OCIDS) or other identification as friend or foe (IFF) systems. This can provide for improved MILES performance through the utilization of a common laser transmission system and/or the use of location information systems, such as global positioning system (GPS) coordinates. According to some embodiments, various additional features may be included for use in training and/or combat environments.

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

Abstract: An aiming sight having a sight body having a bore communicating between first and second body ends adapted to receive within in unflexed retained engagement a light conductive member configured to receive light along the length and conduct the light to at least one light conductive member end to provide a viewable aiming indicia

Abstract: Devices for automatic fishing line release during a cast using the acceleration and deceleration of the rod to automatically release the fishing line. In one embodiment, the device is in an under-the-rod position. In another embodiment, the devices is in an over-the-rod position. In other embodiments, the over or under the rod function is determined by manufacturer or user adjustments or changes.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention contemplates an improved fishing weight. The weight includes a soft carbon steel ball adhered to a half-eye swivel mount having an eyelet. A shrink-wrap film encases a substantial portion of the ball and the base of the swivel mount, leaving the eyelet exposed and able to rotate about 360-degrees around an axis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for monitoring, detecting and/or controlling subterranean termites comprising an outer housing adapted to be implanted in the ground having a plurality of openings through a side wall of the outer housing for passage of termites through the openings into an interior of the outer housing; and a bait cartridge comprising a major amount of a termite edible material and a minor amount of a termite resistant material, wherein the termite edible material comprises at least two different forms of a cellulose containing material; and, optionally, a termite-edible sleeve engaged with the side wall of the outer housing and covering at least a portion of said side wall, which sleeve comprises a cellulose containing material having substantially the same form as at least one of the cellulose containing materials from which the bait cartridge is formed.

Abstract: A partially digested biomass solids is converted in a fixed bed catalytic reduction reactor under hydrothermal catalytic condition with a supported metal catalyst having a high void fraction. The catalyst having high void fraction allows high permeability and extends reaction run time.

Abstract: A process and system for upgrading an organic feedstock including providing an organic feedstock and water mixture, feeding the mixture into a high-rate, hydrothermal reactor, wherein the mixture is rapidly heated, subjected to heat, pressure, and turbulent flow, maintaining the heat and pressure of the mixture for a residence time of less than three minutes to cause the organic components of the mixture to undergo conversion reactions resulting in increased yields of distillate fuels, higher-quality kerosene and diesel fuels, and the formation of high octane naphtha compounds. Hydrocarbon products are cooled at a rate sufficient to inhibit additional reaction and recover of process heat, and depressurizing the hydrocarbon products, and separating the hydrocarbon products for further processing.

Abstract: The process of this invention removes impurities from transesterification products comprising primarily fatty acid alkyl esters (FAAE) that are being processed for final fuel products, such as biodiesel. The inventive process is catalytic, and the resulting ester is suitable for use as biodiesel. Metal oxide and mixed metal oxide catalysts are particularly suitable. The invention is particularly suitable for treating fatty acid alkyl ester compositions comprising impurities such as glycerin, sterol glycosides, and/or triglyceride, diglyceride and/or monoglyceride. The invention is particularly useful in treating FAAE transesterification products made using homogeneous alkali catalysts. The treated ester exhibits improved performance under cold weather conditions, which can be measured by methods such as ASTM 7501 Cold Soak Filtration Test (CSFT).

Abstract: Compositions of oxygenated gasolines are disclosed that have reduced vapor pressure compared to those containing a single oxygenate and no RVP reducing compound. Such compositions can be formed at a refinery or at a terminal. Methods of reducing vapor pressure of an oxygenated gasoline are disclosed and methods of reducing vapor pressure constraints upon a refinery in the production of oxygenated gasoline are disclosed. Fundamental properties of RVP reducing compounds are disclosed including IR spectrum analysis. Processes and methods for blending and distributing these fuels are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present application discloses a process for the preparation of fuel pellets, said process comprising the steps of a) subjecting a feedstock (e.g. a biomass material) to a torrefaction and partial pyrolysis step at a temperature in the range from 250° C. to 500° C., whereby a solid char and volatile fraction are obtained, said volatile fraction comprising a tar fraction; b) at least partially condensing the volatile fraction so as to obtain a tar-rich fraction, wherein the tar-rich fraction is condensed onto the solid char; and pelletization of the combined solid char/tar-rich fraction so as to obtain said fuel pellets. Novel fuel pellets are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the production of high quality synthetic coal from biomass or urban waste, while effectively reducing its potential for dioxin production. The feedstock is first sorted to remove recyclable inorganic materials. After size reduction, the feedstock is pyrolyzed at a temperature range of 500 to 600° F. (260-315° C.), in a high capacity, continuous mixer reactor, using in-situ viscous shear heating of the waste materials, to produce a highly uniform, granular synthetic fuel product similar in energy content, storage and handling characteristics to, but much cleaner burning than, natural coal. The process effectively destroys dioxins and other chlorinated hydrocarbons that may be present in the feedstock, while removing and sequestering chlorine as alkali salts.

Abstract: A process and system for separating and upgrading bio-oil into renewable fuels is provided. The process comprises separating bio-oil into a light fraction and heavy fraction based on their boiling points. The heavy fraction is then subjected to hydrotreatment, while the light fraction is not subjected to hydrotreatment. At least a portion of the un-hydrotreated light fraction and at least a portion of the hydrotreated heavy fraction are blended with petroleum-derived gasoline to thereby provide a renewable gasoline, and at least a portion of the hydrotreated heavy fraction is blended with petroleum-derived diesel to thereby provide a renewable diesel.

Abstract: A plant graft production line for automatically grafting a rootstock and a scion si disclosed. The aforesaid plant graft production line comprises (a) a closed-loop conveyor; (b) at least one grafting assembly arranged for transporting along said conveyor; the assembly further comprises a rootstock holder for holding the rootstock and a scion holder for holding the scion; the holders arranged for at least partially superimposing said rootstock and scion; (c) stationary cutting mechanism for cutting exposed rootstock surface; (d) a stationary cutting mechanism for cutting a exposed scion surface to be; (e) stationary clipping mechanism for clipping the superimposed rootstock and scion together. It is a core feature of the invention to provide the rootstock holder arranged so as to provide a curvilinear plane along which said rootstock is conformed thereby presenting a curved cutting target for the cutting mechanism.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to pathogen resistant citrus compositions, organisms, systems, and methods. For example, a composition may comprise a peptide (e.g., a defensin peptide) and/or a nucleic acid (e.g., a defensin nucleic acid). A pathogen resistant citrus plant may comprise, in some embodiments, a defensin peptide and/or an expressable nucleic acid encoding a defensin peptide.

Abstract: A green wall planting support apparatus includes at least one plant support structure and a plurality of baskets. The plant support structure includes a vertical main plate that has a plurality of basket hanging portions. A water supply unit includes at least one main pipe connected to a water source, and a branch unit that is coupled to the main pipe and that has a plurality of watering conduits. Each basket has a basket body with a receiving space. The basket body has a basket hanger portion that is detachably connected to one of the basket hanging portions. The watering conduits convey water into the receiving spaces of the baskets, respectively.

Abstract: An adjustable plant support assembly is provided which can be quickly and easily assembled with no tools at all. When disassembled it can be stored in a minimum space, and since there are very few different components it can be manufactured in a simple manner. A plurality of vertical support posts are disposed at the corners of a polygon, e.g. four support posts are disposed at the corners of a rectangle. A plurality of support rods horizontally interconnect the support posts with apertures at the corner angles of the intersecting rods to provide horizontal support. The interconnecting rods can be moved up and down vertically along the vertical support posts to provide the appropriate height to support the plant. The horizontally interconnecting rods can be secured in place by a screw or other fastening device.

Abstract: An improved method of cultivating Labisia pumila plants in oil palm plantation comprising the steps of propagating Labisia pumila plants using leaf cuttings, hardening propagated Labisia pumila plants and cultivating Labisia pumila plants in planting beds between alternate rows of the oil palm trees, characterized in that the oil palm plantation is more than fifteen years old and the land is flat and undulating, not prone to water logging, having pH 4.5 to pH 5.5 of soil acidity, soil type preferably Siri Tawar and has stopped using chemical-based agents not limited to herbicides and pesticides.

Abstract: A method for applying a water soluble soil stabilizer to soil wherein the soil stabilizer is added to a solid carrier.

Abstract: The Gardening Bucket is a portable, self-watering plastic container. The design is shown with a 5 gallon container, filled at the bottom with a water-wicking hydroponics styrofoam material. The design has an external watering port, allowing the plant to be watered from the bottom of the container, and allowing the water to be absorbed by the plant through the hydroponics material as the plant needs water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control device at an opening/closing section of a vehicle and a method for controlling the opening/closing section of the vehicle for controlling a motor so that pinch at the opening/closing section is determined accurately while its constitution is very simple. The control device includes a pinch determination device that is mounted to a motor for opening/closing an opening/closing section of a vehicle and determines pinch of a foreign matter based on a change in the rotation number of the motor, and demagnetization pulse applying means for supplying power with reverse polarity to motor in a pulse-like manner at completion of the opening/closing.

Abstract: A retractor element includes a rigid slide connected between a latch bolt and a solenoid plunger for movement between a first position and a second position, the slide operably connected to plunger. A pivoting link defines a slot having an inner end portion extending transversely, the slot configured for pivoting the link when the slide moves between the first position and the second position of the slide. When the retracting mechanism is energized the plunger retracts causing movement of the slide to the second position of slide and the pin to enter the transverse end of the slot in the link. A bearing surface intersects the path of movement of the pin such that significantly less current is required for retaining the plunger in the retracted position than to retract the plunger for blocking the return of the latch bolt to the projected position.