Abstract: A method and system are provided whereby rights in graphic works such as digital photographs and the like may be registered, and potential infringements of those rights monitored. The method includes storing representations of the works in a computer database together with details of any licensed users of the work, obtaining comparison representations from the internet or other computer network, and comparing the two representations to determine whether a threshold of similarity has been met. If the representations are determined to be similar or identical, the identity of the user of the comparison representation is determined and compared with identity of licensed users. In the event that the user is unlicensed, appropriate action such as alerting the rights owner may be taken. The database may also be used for displaying a portfolio of a rights owner's works, or for granting licences to use registered works.

Abstract: A temporary road maker is provided with one or more transparent protective covers covering a reflection of the road marker, wherein each protective cover is provided with a separate pull-tab located at a unique location with reference to the pull-tabs of other protective covers to facilitate the rapid removal of the outermost protective cover whenever said protective cover is coated with road resurfacing material and thereby is obscuring the reflective portion of the temporary road marker.

Abstract: A description is given here of a novel process for the production of monocarboxylic and polycarboxylic aromatic acids by the catalytic oxidation in homogeneous phase of aromatic compounds carrying at least one oxidizable substituent group attached directly to the carbon atom of the corresponding aromatic nucleus. The novel process according to the present invention comprises the steps of: a) catalytically oxidizing the corresponding aromatic precursors in liquid phase in the presence of gaseous oxygen; b) filtering the end product; c) recycling into the oxidation reactor at least part of the mother liquors resulting from the filtration stage, and is characterized by the fact that said steps from (a) to (c) are carried out in a closed and continuous cycle operating substantially under the same pressure and temperature conditions, preferably at 2-10 barg and 100-140° C.

Abstract: A muzzle brake for dissipating a recoil force created by the discharge of a firearm having a muzzle, without a substantially increasing the noise heard by the shooter. The muzzle brake is a cylinder with at least one opening radially disposed from a central bore. These radial openings have a longitudinal dimension greater than a lateral dimension and help to dissipate force-causing gasses away from the muzzle end of a firearm with reduced reflection of gasses back towards the shooter. The decreased amount gas reflected back toward the shooter decreases the amount of noise the shooter hears.

Abstract: A device for placing individual road markers in desired configurations along a road surface comprises an application wheel having at least one aperture connected to a frame by an axle. The frame and application wheel are then connected to a trailer that is pulled along behind a pulling device. The apertures of the application wheel are dimensioned to receive a part of the road marker in a position tangential to the surface of the application wheel. As the application wheel rolls over the surface, the base portion of the marker contacts the road surface. An adhesive portion of the marker causes the base of the marker to become adhered to the road surface. As the application wheel continues to roll, the standing reflective portion of the marker is withdrawn from its position within aperture of the application wheel, and remains in a desired location upon the road surface.

Abstract: A decoy for attracting waterfowl having an upper body portion adjustably pivotally connected to a keel by an attachment device. The attachment device allows the keel to be alternatively oriented and locked into a variety of desired positions and orientations. This allows the decoys to maintain a non-parallel orientation between the keel and the upper body and allows the decoy to maintain a desired orientation within a body of water when acted upon by a wind or water current. An anchor connected to the keel provides a means for maintaining the decoy in a generally fixed location. This combination of features allows the orientation of a group of decoys to be varied so as to provide a desired natural looking presentation.

Abstract: A fuel expansion system or carburetor for internal combustion engines utilizing the bubbling of air through use of a number of bubble tubes through a supply of liquid fuel. The resulting atomized, vaporized and expanded fuel is then mixed with air and fed into the engine for combustion.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of making a building wall panel or building wall panel system. The building wall panels are made by taking a standard panel of metal roof decking having alternating ridges and channels and attaching a length of board stock, such as a concrete board. These panels are then able to be attached to a steel frame or other type building shell.

Abstract: A hitch adapter for connecting at least one accessory, such as a bicycle carrier, a motorcycle carrier, a platform for hauling cargo, a lift platform, a storage compartment, a truck bed extenders or a roof rack extender, to a receiver hitch.

Abstract: A feminine hygiene disposal unit for sanitary receipt and disposal of used sanitary products. The unit has a disposal bag dispenser, at least one disposal bag, a receptacle, and a liner for the receptacle. This liner having a lid flap having an opening therethrough, this lid flap being supported through use of a pair of sandwiching flanges for sandwiching the lid flap in a generally horizontal orientation.

Abstract: A dually adjustable back release archery device that enables a party utilizing the device to vary the configuration of the release in an infinite variety of ways within a designated range. A hook member is adjustably connected to a cam device having a generally smooth half mooned shaped surface that is configured for engagement with a generally flat topped pin that can be alternatively engaged and released so as to allow a desired adjustment of the hook and the cam to be obtained. The device further contains an adjustment between the hook and the cam provided by a set screw and a spring loaded ball that maintain the hook and cam in combination and allow the hook and cam to be fine adjusted according to the necessities of the user.

Abstract: An attachment for fastening a brush to a shoe. The attachment having a first (horizontal) flange extending to a second (vertical) flange. The first flange attaching to the sole of the shoe, with the second flange attaching to a wiping element such as a brush. The attachment could alternatively be provided with a disk-like single flange having threading allowing the attachment to be screwed into a standard golf shoe threaded spike hole.

Abstract: An improved vacuum motor air intake for use on vacuum motor device with a funnel shaped shroud enclosing a portion of the vacuum motor housing adjacent a fan assembly. Combined with the funnel shaped shroud, a conical air deflection body directs air entering the motor in a laminar flow pattern.

Abstract: An improved cutter blade assembly for cutting vegetable products such as potatoes. The cutter blade assembly utilizes a number of cutter blades that transverse an axial bore through which products to be cut are fed. These blades are locked within the assembly by an attachment system that partially deforms the blade to hold the blade in place. This improved attachment connection system serves to hold the blade in a position having higher tension and thereby reduces wear, chatter, and feathering.

Abstract: The invention is a double duct changeover HVAC system, which uses two conditioned air sources to deliver air into two main duct systems. The two main duct systems are routed toward the exterior exposures of a building, and converge into a single duct which is routed to heating and cooling zones. Exterior exposure dampers control the mix of air so that the correct air temperature is sent to each exterior exposure. A damper at each heating and cooling zone controls the air flow into each heating and cooling zone, and VAV logic is used to deliver the correct air temperature and air flow to each heating and cooling zone of a building.

Abstract: A portable endothermic caulk warmer for warming at least one tube of endothermic caulk. This caulk warmer having an insulated housing, at least one AC heating pad, a AC/DC power inverter and a DC rechargeable battery.

Abstract: An air compressor for use with direct source current sources such as the typical cigarette lighter found in most motor vehicles. The device is made up of an electrically powered air compressor which is controllable by a removable programmable controller. This removable programmable controller is configured to be removable from the compressor to measure an amount of air pressure within an item, and to be programmed and placed upon the compressor to activate the compressor to deliver a desired amount of air to the item being inflated, and to deactivate the compressor when a desired amount of air pressure has been reached within the device.