Abstract: An athletic shoe (20) having an inflatable air bladder (52) integrated into the design and construction of the shoe, and apparatus (50) for inflating the air bladder, as well as apparatus (82) for sensing and indicating the pressure in the bladder, all incorporated into the design of the shoe.

Abstract: Sports shoe has a quarter associated with a shell and has improved lateral rigidity. The shoe includes at least one rigid element which affects the metatarsal region, the heel region and the malleolar region at least at the inner side of the foot. This provides a rigid structure that, for example in the case of ski boots, allows optimum transmission of forces from the leg to the binding and thus to the ski.

Abstract: Ski boot comprising a shell (1) and a shaft (3) articulated on the shell, the shaft consisting of a first part (5) forming a stirrup (6) extending around and above the heel, and a second part (7) surrounding at least the rear of the leg. These two parts may be fixed together with respect to rotation by connecting structure consisting of a rocker (9) articulated on the second part so as to be able to bear on the stirrup (6). The rocker may also enable the shaft to be locked onto the shell in the downhill position.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing soil and other debris from around buried objects. The apparatus comprises a movable frame which supports plurality of rotatable and independently mounted brushes which are used to gently sweep across the soil to remove soil and other debris from the covered objects. The soil is then transferred to a collection box within the movable frame for subsequent removal. The frame is capable of horizontal, vertical and rotational movement.

Abstract: A snow removal device that uses a truck frame to hold a snow collecting, melting and storage system. A duct carries snow from a snow blower, mounted on the truck, into a large hopper. The hopper is covered to prevent the snow from leaving the hopper. A series of components is nested in the hopper as follows: A screen is at the top to catch debris. Below the screen are two separate heater pipe systems that circulate hot water. Below the pipe systems is a series of pyramid heaters. Below the heaters is a catch basin to hold the melted snow (as water) at the bottom of the hopper. This water is then pumped into a tank, mounted on the back of the truck trailer. Hot water is supplied by a pair of boilers also mounted on the trailer. Fuel for the boilers and the associated electrical equipment is also stored aboard the truck. Because the device is self contained fewer people are needed to operate it.

Abstract: A linkage for coupling a vehicle to a ground-engaging implement consists of two links, the first link being connected at one end to the vehicle such that it can pivot both around the longitudinal axis of the link and around a line transverse to that axis and connected at its second end to the implement to pivot around a line transverse to its longitudinal axis; the second link being connected in a similar fashion but oppositely to the first link.

Abstract: Sheet material pieces comprising a plurality of panels that are connected together in hinged relationship are fabricated so that a stand-out structure die-cut into one of the panels assumes an attention-attracting, 3-dimensional orientation upon the opening of the hinged panels as a result of interconnection of portions of the stand-out structure with the facing panel surface. Because one panel can be imperforate, if desired, particular advantages are obtained in mass production and other machine-assembly methods as a result of such a configuration. A variety of methods are shown for efficiently producing such pieces via mass-production, including items having multiple stand-out structures. Flat individual sheets are particularly adapted to be conveyed through laser printers, copy machines and other suitable imprinting equipment in order to inexpensively personalize such finished items.

Abstract: The identification device for animals or articles is internally provided with an electronic identification circuit enabling automatic remote detection of the code of the identification device. The identification device comprises a member comprising the identification circuit and a member serving for attachment. The member comprising the identification circuit is made of hard material. The external shape of this member, starting from a base which in operation abuts against the article or the animal, narrows substantially taperingly and smoothly to an end which in operation is located remote from the article or animal, so that this member cannot be gripped by another animal between its teeth or be caught on obstacles or other objects.

Abstract: Light processing apparatus creates a number of visual effects which simulate movement with light from a light source. A multiplicity of flexible fibre optic light guides having optically finished input and output ends are grouped into groups, with each group being assigned to create a particular effect. The input ends of each group of light guides are placed in adjacent receptor zones of pre-selected geometry, and the output ends of each group of light guides are located on an effects surface in a pre-selected pattern. Light from the light source is filtered by a color changer having a plurality of discrete moveable colored filter zones shaped to correlate with the receptor zones, and is then received by the input ends of the light guides and distributed to the output ends of the light guides. The color changer may be a rotatable color wheel filter, an endless band filter or a cylindrical filter.

Abstract: A visual panel comprising a flexible sheet having swollen portions at upper and lower edge portions thereof, respectively, a sheet stretching apparatus for slidably accommodating the swollen portions at the opposing edge portions of the sheet and for stretching the sheet over a frame, and a tension adjusting mechanism for adjusting a tension applied to the sheet.

Abstract: A device for temporarily mounting a billboard to an exterior surface on a vehicle utilizes a rectangular frame for supporting the billboard and a pair of vacuum cups for attaching the frame to the side of the vehicle. The vacuum cups are provided with a pumping mechanism for creating a substantially leak-proof seal against the surface of the vehicle and for thus preventing unintended detachment of the sign from the surface.

Abstract: A sign or menu board has a pair of parallel vertical side rails with opposite end portions of upper and lower cross rails joined to the upper and lower end portions of the side rails to form a carrier frame. Each side rail has a track coextensive with its length. Grid modules make up modular grid units. Each unit, which may contain only one module, is comprised of cross bars that are joined at their opposite ends by tie-bars which together with the cross bars define a window opening. The cross bars are provided with lengthwise grooves for slidably accepting an information strip between them. The grid units slide into the carrier frame along the tracks and are constructed such that the information strips can be slid into or out of a grid without withdrawing the grid from the carrier frame. Pictorial assembly retainer bars are also constructed for sliding into the frame on the side rails.

Abstract: An expanded content label (ECL) having a segmented base label that allows the label to conform to a curved surface. A booklet and covering overlaminate are secured to the spaced-apart segments of the base to interconnect the segments. The gap between the segments enhances the ability of the label to flex and move along a supporting curved surface to conform to the surface without buckling or wrinkling. The label is produced by die cutting a web to form a segmented base label, securing a booklet to the segmented base label, and optionally securing an overlaminate to the booklet. At least one of the booklet and the overlaminate bridge the segments of the base label. In an alternative embodiment, the overlaminate is eliminated and the booklet includes a coversheet that extends across the gap between the base label segments.

Abstract: A modular picture frame system with the individual picture frames interconnecting like jigsaw puzzle pieces. Each of the puzzle piece-shaped picture frames has male and female connectors in the form of an interlocking geometric shape. These connectors are used to attach the individual frames to one another to make a collage of picture frames. Preferably, each frame is made with multiple connectors facing in different directions so that each frame can be connected with as many other frames as it has connectors. The connectors disclosed include rounded lobe-shaped connectors, dovetail connectors and polygonal geometric connectors. The frames themselves and the display openings in the frames can be virtually any geometric shape, rectangle, diamond, octagon, triangle, circle, or other curved shapes as long as the male and female connectors have sufficient clearance to connect.

Abstract: An interchangeable high capacity rifle magazine with an integral bolt stop assembly is disclosed. The magazine can be used with the Soviet 7.62.times.39 Simonov (SKS) rifle and for the Chinese copy, the Type 56 series rifles and carbines, and for all other copies thereof.

Abstract: A lightweight, portable polymeric gun cleaning rod and method is provided for use having various implements such as brushes, jags, and the like. The cleaning rod shaft is formed from a polymeric composition such as nylon which can be manually worked through the gun barrel during cleaning. A fitting is attached at one end of the shaft for convenient, threadable reception of cleaning implements. After use the cleaning implements can be easily removed and the cleaning rod shaft manually coiled for compact storage.

Abstract: A device for transmitting irregular jerking or darting motions to the end of a fishing line from a boat propelled by an oar including apparatus for securing a modified downrigger release clamp to a pulley line suspended between the end of a row boar oar and a bracket adjacent to the handle of the oar. An attachment at the end of the oar comprises two opposed clamping members with resilient pads on the inner faces thereof and an extension arm on one of them projecting outwardly and rearwardly from the end thereof. Apertures at the end of the extension arm have a pulley line therethrough and through a bracket secured adjacent the oar handle which has an outwardly extending end portion through which the pulley line is fixed. The line has crimps therein for holding a downrigger release clamp in place thereon. Through the action of the present apparatus a repetitive jerky line motion is imparted to the fishing line held by the downrigger release clamp.

Abstract: The invention provides a fishing rod with a pre-inserted fishing line guide member which can reduce the resistance of a fishing line during casting and reeling operations. Thereby an operator is able to play out and draw in the fishing line smoothly. In the fishing rod, the whole periphery of the inner surface of a fishing line guide cylinder is mounted on the leading end portion of a fishing rod pipe. The line guide is enlarged in diameter more greatly than the inner periphery contour of the leading end portion of the fishing rod pipe when the latter is extended in the direction of the axis of the rod pipe. The lower inner surface of the fishing line guide cylinder is downwardly shifted with respect to the fishing rod end pipe and enlarged in diameter more greatly than the oppositely located and upwardly enlarged diameter of the upper inner surface with respect to the axis of the fishing rod.

Abstract: A container for protecting a fishing lure from entanglement with other fishing tackle without removing the lure from its attachment to a fishing line of a fishing rod. The container comprises a relatively stiff longitudinal perimeter wall structure and spaced end walls transverse to the perimeter wall structure. The perimeter wall structure is split longitudinally into two container parts. The container may be removably mounted on a fishing rod by pivot closure of the container parts about the fishing rod shaft so as to form a protective fishing lure chamber. At least one of the transverse end walls is formed of a deformable material such that mounting the container on a fishing rod shaft causes the deformable end wall to transversely press against the rod shaft in a frictionally engaging manner that resists longitudinal slippage of the container along the rod shaft.

Abstract: Interchangeable eyes for fishing lures comprising eye fastening members on the head of the fishing lures, simulated eyes detachably attached to the eye fastening members and having a simulated pupil protruding therefrom, and further comprising distinctively colored spongy material removably retentive to the eyes for retaining and releasing selective fish-alluring scents into the water for attracting game fish onto the hooks of the fishing lures. These fishing lures resemble the prey of the fish so that the fish will try to feed upon the fishing lures and as they do so they will become hooked upon the hooks depending from the fishing lures.

Abstract: A noise-making rattle jig for use in fishing having a solid metallic body of generally circular cross-section with a forwardly extending body extension of lesser diameter having a fish hook secured to the forwardmost end, and an eyelet for attaching the jig to a fish line at the opposite end of the body. A rattle chamber is provided within the body with at least one noise-making rattle element held loosely within the chamber. A fiber weed guard is secured to the body and extends radially outwardly spaced rearwardly from the barb of the fish hook. The body extension is provided with at least one annular channel to which a rubber camouflage skirt or other accessory may be attached to the jig. Because of environmental concerns the body, body extension and cap are preferably formed from lead-free brass. All other elements are desirably composed of non-leaching non-toxic materials.

Abstract: A fishing weight having an outer surface. The fishing weight is formed from a zinc alloy which is environmentally safe. It has a protective coating covering the entire outer surface. The covering is non-corrosive when exposed to water so that if it is chipped or broken, the environmentally safe zinc alloy of the weigh will not contaminate the environment.

Abstract: A rodent trap including a bottom, two opposing side walls, a front wall with inlet opening, a rear wall with access door, a horizontal partition defining upper and lower compartments, and an openable top. The rear access door allows rodent bait to be placed in the lower compartment. The front wall inlet opening allows rodent entry to the lower compartment. In the lower compartment is disposed a pivotal trigger mechanism which is connected by linkage to a trip mechanism of a mechanical intensifier disposed in the upper compartment, and a kinetic member of the mechanical intensifier is in turn connected by linkage to a release means for a door vertically slidable from a position above the inlet opening to a position closing the inlet opening. A conventional spring-striker mouse trap may be used for said mechanical intensifier, trip mechanism and kinetic member.

Abstract: A trap housing for trapping insects, which particularly allows an insect trapping adhesive sheet to be replaced with ease and which can trap a great number of insects efficiently, is provided. The adhesive trap housing is constructed so that a tray and a cover body having rectangular openings are pivotably joined with each other via hinge pieces and engagement members so as to allow the housing to be freely opened and closed. Retaining pieces are arranged on the corners of the tray so that an insect trapping adhesive sheet can be removably fixed thereto. In addition, a window is provided in the tray, and a curved portion projecting inward towards the tray is formed in a substantially middle portion of the cover body. Bird protecting barriers are attached to the openings of the cover body.

Abstract: A passive method for protecting flying birds against the danger of colliding into transparent barriers is disclosed. The method involves placing on the transparent barrier an image of the center portion of the web of an orb web building spider especially including in the image an adornment on the web known as the stabilimentum. The stabilimentum is known to be an advertisement by the spider for the purpose of deterring birds from flying into the web, an event which both animals wish to avoid. When the spider web image is placed on the transparent barrier, flying birds will take evasive action and thus avoid harmful collisions. Since the spider web image is mostly transparent, it does not block out a large portion of the transparent barrier.

Abstract: A mole killing device having a direct connection to the exhaust of a small gasoline engine and conveying the fumes from the exhaust to mole passages and preventing the escape of the fumes from the passages.

Abstract: A floral support assembly for presenting a display of fresh cut flowers. Floral foam is bonded to a backing to define a pre-shaped configuration. Moisture barrier means, preferably in the form of ambient air spaces, separate the floral foam into adjacent segments of predetermined dimensions, in at least the vertical direction. The barrier spaces have a predetermined width sufficient to prevent floral preservative solution from bridging between adjacent segments when the floral foam support assembly is inclined with respect to a horizontal frame of reference. The preferred method by which to saturate the aforesaid assembly with a floral preservative solution requires a container. At least a sufficient volume of the preservative solution is placed in the container to saturate the foam segments on whatever number of support assemblies are to be simultaneously processed. The support assemblies are then floated in the solution with the foam segments facing the solution.

Abstract: A method for cultivating plants comprises using a plant growth accelerating oligosaccharide obtained by decomposing a polysaccharide.

Abstract: A system for green plant and/or microbial culture featuring improved fluid control by the use of capillary drainage devices is described.

Abstract: An apparatus which includes a growing container in which plants are hydroponically grown on a support medium is disclosed. The growing container includes a plurality of openings in which seals are installed. The seals include holes through which the plants grow. When seeds are planted, a hollow tube is placed through the seal hole to maintain the seed in position. After the seed germinates, it grows through the tube. As continued growth expands the plant's stem to the size of the tube, the tube breaks apart and does not constrain future plant growth. Moreover, as the plant grows further, the seal hole expands to accommodate the plant stem. The seal surrounds and contacts the plant stem to reduce evaporation of nutrient solution from the growing container and to keep insects and contamination out of the growing container. A holding container is positioned above the growing container and coupled to the growing container through a manifold arrangement.

Abstract: A door operator for garage doors is provided which includes a motor, a multiple segmented drive screw and a traveler coupled to and reciprocating along the multiple segmented drive screw. The drive screw segments have non-circular ends which are slidably coupled to each other through a complementary sleeve. Springs are used to bias the screw segments toward one another. The traveler includes a lubricating pad for lubricating the drive screw as it passes along.

Abstract: An operator including an extensible strut, a power drive unit and at least one drive cable connected between the power drive unit and the extensible strut is provided for powered opening and closing of pivotable vehicle closure elements such as doors, hoods, liftgates, tailgates, and hatches

Abstract: A device for supporting a hinged panel in an open position and for locking the panel in a closed position. A first embodiment of a device according to the present invention comprises an arm with an inverse-L shaped slot for receiving therein a pin attached to the swinging end of the panel. When the pin is in a first leg of the slot, the panel is allowed to swing open. When the pin is in a second leg of the slot, the panel is locked in the closed position. A further embodiment of the device of the present invention comprises a retaining device for preventing the arm from pivoting when the panel is closed, thereby locking the panel in the closed position.

Abstract: A waterproof grommet (16) through which a wiring harness (14) passes is mounted on a side face (15) of an inner door panel (13) to which a door hinge is attached. The waterproof grommet (16) is made of an elastic substance and has a grommet body (17). The grommet body (17) through which the harness (14) passes is brought into contact with the side face (15). The grommet body (17) includes a mounting plate (18) for pressing and fastening the grommet body (17) to the side face (15). Because the elastic grommet body (17) is pressed and fastened to the side face (15) of the inner door panel (13) by the rigid mounting plate (18), the gap around the door can be sealed without additionally using a sealing member and, as a result, the number of constituent parts and the number of processes of arranging then can be reduced.

Abstract: A non-clogging gutter system comprised of two components: A half cylinder with flanges whose principal axis is orientated parallel to the edge of an inclined roof and is fastened to the vertical plane of the eaves and a gutter located just below the half cylinder, also mounted on the vertical plane of the eaves, but whose outer edge is recessed compared to the half cylinder. In operation, rainwater hydraulically flows down the inclined roof and onto the half cylinder where large debris, relatively unimpeded, is discharged to the ground, while the rainwater and macroscopic particles, by virtue of their higher molecular attraction compared to mass, adhere to the half cylinder finally discharging into the gutter because of the more normal orientation of the gravity vector compared to the half cylinder's surface.

Abstract: A landscaping block system including one or more landscaping blocks having anchoring means for embedding the blocks in a substrate. The blocks each have a groove on the bottom, so that when the blocks are aligned end to end in a substrate, the grooves define a continuous conduit.

Abstract: An adaptor bar is disclosed for removably coupling in fixed relation a pair of single anchor inserts used in casting concrete, thereby forming a double anchor insert. The anchor inserts are used as permanently installed lifting points in the construction of tilt-up concrete walls and the like. The adaptor bar includes T-shaped cutouts in each end which cooperate with reliefs in an elongated anchor member of a single anchor insert to allow the adaptor bar to releasably engage an elongated anchor member at each end. The inventive adaptor bar provides for an inexpensive double anchor and allows the user to only stock single anchors without the need to have a separate inventory of double anchors as well.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for supporting, leveling and attaching (where appropriate), an elevated building surface. The device can be raised or lowered by rotating a base member of the device. The device includes a flange member for the support of heavy loads. The device further includes a fluid pathway to remove fluids, such as water, and heat from the support device. The device can be used in outdoor or indoor environments and is capable of supporting the heavy loads applied by many types of building surfaces, such as heavy structural slabs.

Abstract: An earthquake protective structure (10) that consists of a first side section (12), a second side section (14), an upper section (16) that is attached to the upper ends (12A,14A) of the two side sections and a base plate (18) that attaches to the lower ends (12B,14B) of the two side sections. The structure (10) is designed to be incorporated into a door jam (60), various sizes of building portals (66) and within the confines of hallways or passageways (72). The structure (10) is sized to allow one or more persons to stand under the structure (10) during a seismic event. Thus, the person(s) under the structure (10) are protected from falling debris resulting from the seismic event.

Abstract: A continuous sidelight threshold and door sill assembly for use with entryways having at least one fixed sidelight panel and a hinged door panel comprises an extruded aluminum frame having an elongated channel and a sloped sill. A vertically adjustable threshold cap is shorter than the channel is configured to fit in and be selectively positioned at a predetermined location along the channel. A separate panel cap is also configured to fit in the channel and be selectively positioned therealong. The assembly is universally adaptable to be used either with left handed, right handed, or double sided sidelight door entryways simply by positioning the threshold cap and the panel cap at respective appropriate locations along the channel. A removable paint shield is provided to protect the threshold cap from paint during construction of a building in which the assembly is installed.

Abstract: A roof flashing for establishing a weather-proof seal with upstanding pipes of different diameters includes a frusto-conical shape collar having smaller diameter upper and larger diameter lower seals for sealingly engaging different diameter pipes and an internal annular groove immediately above the lower seal providing a frangible wall section in the collar to facilitate removal of the upper seal from the collar when the collar is to be used to seal against larger diameter pipes. Immediately below the internal groove on the exterior wall of the collar is an external annular bead which together with the lower seal resist stretching of the collar when engaged by a gripping tool immediately above the internal groove and pulled to provide a relatively clean tear in the region of the internal groove around the entire periphery of the collar to separate the upper seal from the collar.

Abstract: In a plate element, in particular made of steel, consisting of two parallel outer sheets which are connected firmly to one another by means of interposed web plates which are welded to the outer sheets, each web plate is a strip whose longitudinal edges are butt-jointed to the respectively facing inner surface of the respective outer sheet. The welding formed in each case by a weld, in particular a laser weld, which extends through the respective outer sheet into the abutting longitudinal edge of the respective web plate strip. The outer sheets are cut into rectangles and the web plate strips are interposed in each case running parallel to the longer rectangular sides of the outer sheets.

Abstract: A prefabricated, modular assembly for the building of a timber house, including a plurality of rectangular, panel elements. Each panel element has two rectangular panels each having two oppositely located first sides, and two oppositely located second sides. Each panel element is provided with two parallel, solid wood, continuous girders, each being positioned between and connected to the panels on a respective first side. The panels and the girders collectively form a box. One of the girders projects beyond the panels and the other girder is set back upon the panels by a distance corresponding to the girder projection to form a tongue and groove joint. The panels project beyond the ends of the girders at the second sides to form a continuously extending, rectangular receiving groove. The assembly also includes an orientating beam having a rectangular cross section insertable into a respective receiving groove for orientating the respective panel elements to one another.

Abstract: A reinforcing arrangement or device which substantially prevents sagging of the lower section of a multi-sectional Up and over type door. The natural load on the lower center of the bottom panel of the door being upwardly and vertically controlled and translated laterally and downwardly to the bottom corners the door by the device, to maintain overall conformity.

Abstract: An interlocking building block is disclosed primarily as a replacement for glass blocks or tiles. The block has front and rear walls or surfaces and intermediate peripheral end walls that intersect at an angle. At least two intersecting end walls have tongues and grooves adapted to mate with corresponding grooves and tongues on adjacent blocks and these tongues and grooves on the intersecting end walls each have interlocking means to engage complimentary interlocking means on adjacent blocks to prevent sliding movement therebetween, thus giving a four-direction interlock between the blocks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a monolithic concrete wall structure and more particularly to a reinforced, precast, insulated concrete wall structure. The wall structure of the invention has an enlarged, upper reinforced horizontal concrete beam that helps carry various stresses and loads present in a residential or commercial structure. The wall structure also has a three-layer insulated main section that includes integrated vertical support columns for added strength. The wall structure is strong enough to span spaced-apart footings without additional reinforcement, thereby eliminating the need for a continuous foundation footing.

Abstract: A structural beam for use in buildings and other structures, and a process of forming the structural beam. The structural beam exhibits the structural advantages of a truss without the high labor costs normally associated with a truss. The beam includes a top flange, a bottom flange, a web joining the top and bottom flanges, and a plurality of apertures located within the web. Top and bottom chords including neutral axes are defined by a respective flange and longitudinally uninterrupted web portion. A plurality of joining members located in the web between the top and bottom chord transmit loading forces generally along diagonal axes. The diagonal axes of adjacent joining members intersect at panel points which are located substantially along the neutral axis of a respective chord. Haunches provide local structural deepenings of the top and bottom chords in the regions of the panel points to locate critical points a safe distance away from the flow of stresses due to loading.

Abstract: A framing system (10) is disclosed including three-dimensional structural members (12, 14) formed from planar panels (16) having their edges removably secured together by provisions (48) including slide connectors (66, 174) which receive lugs (52) slideably received in and abutting with latches (56). The panels (16) include interconnect ports (22) having integral, concentric tubes (24). The exterior faces (18) of the structural members (12, 14) are abutted together, with the structural members (12, 14) being clamped by a clamp (28) having a central wall (30) abutting with the tubes (24) and first and second side walls (32, 34) abutting with the free faces (25) of the tubes (24). Relative rotation is prevented between the clamp (28) and the structural members (12, 14) by detents (44) formed in the clamp (28) which are received in notches (26) formed in the free face (25) of the tubes (24).

Abstract: A sleeving machine and a method for automatically inserting a tray of postal mail into a sleeve. The tray is disposed on a transport station and advanced by a transport belt. A pusher on the transport belt engages the tray for advancement through the machine. Collapsed sleeves are dispensed as required from a hopper into a sleeving station. A suction head and a pivoted second side of the sleeving station open the sleeve to receive the tray. The transport belt with the pusher advances the tray into the open sleeve and then advances the sleeve, with the tray therein, out of the sleeving station. Sensors are provided to control and coordinate movement of the second belt and dispensing of the sleeves from the hopper into the sleeving station. Safety features are provided.

Abstract: A band applicator for applying a band about a sheet of material disposed about a pot to provide a decorative cover for the pot. The band applicator includes a pot frame having a pot opening and a band holder configured to releasably hold a plurality of bands. The sheet of material is extended about the outer peripheral surface of the pot, and the pot with the sheet of material disposed thereabout is disposed in a pot receiving space in the pot frame. The pot frame holds the sheet of material positioned about the pot. A band is removed from the band holder and disposed about the sheet of material and pot for cooperating to hold the sheet of material positioned about the pot.