Abstract: A bladder for use as a cushioning element and footwear incorporating the bladder. The enclosed core is formed of spaced apart first and second fabric layers connected together by a plurality of connecting yarns. The shell is formed of see-through plastic material whereby the connecting yarns are visible through the sidewall. The plurality of connecting yarns preferably are arranged in bands with gaps devoid of connecting yarns between adjacent bands, and the ends of the bands and the gaps are visible through the sidewall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe lacing configuration where short straps attached to sides of an article of footwear are formed with loops. A secondary lacing strap includes loops through which a lace extends. The lace extends through lacing means formed on opposite sides of a boot and further extends through the loops in the secondary lacing strap. The secondary lacing strap has the effect of doubling the force applied to the lace on the opposite sides of the boot in a manner similar to that of a block and tackle thus improving the lace tightening characteristics of the article of footwear.

Abstract: An athletic shoe including a upper, a support member or "chassis" attached to the underside of the upper, and sole elements attached to the bottom of the support member. The support member provides support for the foot, and thereby permits use of spaced apart sole elements rather than a full midsole and a full outsole. In addition, the support member can be tailored to provide the optimum stiffness for a particular activity or user.

Abstract: A sport boot, of the rigid shell type, provided with an adjustable stiffening device for its sole having a rigid element. The rigid element is mounted freely in a housing of the sole open across from the plantar surface of the user's foot. An adjustable assembly device, inserted in the rigid element and fixed to the sole allows achieving, for an adjustment position, the coupling of the sole to the rigid element. The invention allows modifying the stiffness of the sole, and thus adapting the general behavior of the boot depending on a specific use for which the boot is adapted at a given time.

Abstract: Effective techniques and equipment are described for maintaining and improving dredge disposal sites. In one aspect, the use of winching equipment is described to move a digging vehicle within a containment area for effective creation of ditching to permit substantial dewatering and drainage of the dredge spoil to dry it. Substantially dried spoil is removed from the containment area pit using amphibious scraper equipment. The substantially dried spoil may then be used to build up the berm surrounding the dredge pit.

Abstract: An excavator data acquisition and control system and process for characterizing the subsurface geology of an excavation site, and for utilizing the acquired data to optimize the production performance of an excavator is disclosed. A geologic imaging system and a geographic positioning system are employed to initially survey a predetermined excavation site or route. A geologic characterization unit may also be employed to enhance the geologic imaging data. The acquired data are processed to provide detailed geologic and position data for the excavation site and utilized by a main control unit to optimize excavator production performance. In one embodiment, the main control unit accesses a geologic filter database, which includes geologic profile data for numerous types of geology, when analyzing unknown subsurface geology. Removing geological filter data content corresponding to known geology from the acquired geologic imaging data provides for immediate recognition of unknown and suspect subsurface objects.

Abstract: A backhoe attachment (10) includes a boom (12) adapted to be connected by a suitable mounting structure (15) to the loader manipulating arrangement (16) of a front-end or skid loader. A distal end of the boom (12) is adapted for receiving a backhoe bucket (14). When attached to the loader manipulating arrangement (16) the loader operator may use the loader's regular controls to pull the backhoe bucket (14) toward the loader and dig a trench with the attachment.

Abstract: A system for rapid and easy replacement of sacrificial machine parts, utilizing an adapter having a slot and a retainer pin fitted with at least one spring-loaded ball bearing suitable for engaging the slot when the retainer pin is inserted into the adapter.

Abstract: A textile press with an ambidextrous closing system for closing and locking a press head against a buck. The textile press is configured with a pair of activators configured such that pressing and holding one of the activators causes the press head to engage the buck. Concurrently pressing the remaining of the pair of activators causes the press head to be locked in position when the press head moves into engagement with the buck. At the end of the timed pressing cycle or when a release activator is activated, the press head returns to the open position.

Abstract: A transparency viewing device comprising:at least one interior reflective surface;a light transmitting viewing surface adapted to accommodate a transparency to be viewed;a light source which provides backlight illumination to the viewing surface, thereby creating a viewing field having a transparency-bearing region;at least one masking element mounted and configured for movement with respect to the viewing surface, which masks an adjustable area of the viewing field leaving a field of view including at least part of the transparency bearing region unmasked; andat least one reflective element, additional to the interior reflective surface, attached to the masking element such that when the masking element moves the reflective element moves together with the masking element and which reflective element directs at least part of the light from the masked area to the field of view in an amount and in a direction such that the backlighting of the unmasked region is substantially changed as a function of the movemen

Abstract: A disc storage and display device is provided in which discs, such as CD, CD-ROM, DVD, and floppy diskettes for computers are inserted into transparent envelopes and the envelopes attached to rails on a rotary file structure. The envelopes may be rotated about a mandrel on the storage device to display the contents thereof The envelopes may be readily removed for access to the disc or the disc may be removed from the envelopes while on the mandrel. An articulated protective cover is provided to protect but permit easy access to the disc storage and display device.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a light source, an image carrier and an effervescence generator that includes a liquid-containing unit and propagation unit for gas and for liquid contained in the liquid-containing unit. The effervescence generator and the light source are arranged at a first side of the image carrier, and light is projected through at least a part of the effervescence generator and through the image carrier in order to obtain a combined image at the second side situated opposite the first side of the image carrier. The liquid is purified water to which a surface tension-reducing agent has been added.

Abstract: A card holder providing a stand, the stand having a base portion, a support portion projecting upwardly from the base portion, and at least one wing projecting outwardly from an upper end of the support portion; a head portion, the head portion being substantially loop-shaped and having a longitudinal slit therethrough, the slit being sized to receive the upper end of the support portion therethrough for removable attachment thereto, the head portion being adaptable to removably receive at least one card, the at least one card being slidingly moveable about the head portion between a first position and a second position thereof; the at least one wing having a U-shaped cut-out therethrough adjacent to the upper end of the support portion for receiving the head portion; and, the upper end having a tapered portion defining at least one slot for receiving an edge of the head portion slit therebehind.

Abstract: The display sign assembly comprises a trailer having a flatbed thereon, sign frame supports mounted upon the flatbed, a sign frame formed into a quadrilateral configuration and having a plurality of channel members each having a U-shaped cross-section with the open sides of the channel members directed inwardly of the quadrilateral configuration, and a wall having edges which are received in the open sides of the channel members and which are sealed to the channel members so that moisture cannot seep between the wall and the channel members. The sign frame also includes a pair of reinforcement channel members fixedly attached back-to-back to one another and traversing through the quadrilateral configuration and attached to at least two of the other channel members which form the quadrilateral configuration to stabilize the wall and essentially prevent the wall from wobbling back and forth as the trailer is moved upon a road.

Abstract: A combination door handle and graphic display is formed by securing a display between an opaque first body portion and transparent second body portion. A rear side surface of the transparent second body portion is fused to a front side surface of the opaque first body portion and a graphic display decal is mounted to the front side surface of the transparent second body portion. The front side surface of the transparent second body portion is fused to the rear side surface of a transparent third body portion to fixedly secure a graphic display therebetween. The graphic display is visible through the transparent third body portion and the opaque first body portion provides a backdrop against which the graphic display contrasts. The transparent second body portion spaces the graphic display decal relative to the opaque first body portion such that the display appears in a foreground relative to the backdrop.

Abstract: The certification display has a multilayer matting board including similarly sized first and second matting layers. The first matting layer is connected in coextensive overlaying relation to a front surface of the second matting layer. The multilayer matting board provides a predetermined location for the placement of a certification document or diploma and recertification labels. A certificate aperture for viewing a certificate, diploma or other certification documents extends through the matting board. The certificate aperture has a sufficient depth to act as a spacer between a front cover and the face of the certificate or diploma. A certificate, diploma, or other documentation is mounted on a back surface of the second matting layer in registry with the certificate aperture. A plurality of label wells extends through the first layer of the matting board. A recertification label is placed within the label wells, typically adhered to the bottom of the label well.

Abstract: A safety mechanism for rifles and shot guns in which hammer movement to strike the firing pin is prevented unless the trigger is pulled, thereby precluding inadvertent discharge. The safety mechanism is retrofittable into the population of rifles and shotguns utilizing the Remington Common Fire Control System (RCFCS) and with suitable dimensional adaptation into others, and includes an interceptor designed to engage the hammer and prevent movement thereof if the sear and hammer should become disengaged for any reason other than manipulation of the trigger.

Abstract: A casing for protecting firearms from the elements while allowing the user to access firearm sight and trigger. Although the firearm is at all times fully enclosed in the cover, the firearm may be aimed and discharged without having to remove the firearm from its protective casing.

Abstract: A planar board having ease of retrieval and strike indicator includes a base, a first and second fishing line release extending outward from the base, a rotary flag pivotally attached to said base, and at least one line retainer. The second fishing line release preferably has a means for positively retaining a fishing line. The fishing line is inserted into the first fishing line release, behind the positive retaining means of the second fishing line release, looped around an upstanding projection disposed on the rotary flag, and preferably inserted into at least one line retainer. When a fish strike occurs, the flag will be pulled downward. To retrieve the planar board into the boat, the user jerks the fishing line such that the fishing line is pulled out of the first fishing line release. The planar board also has other preferable embodiments which add or remove a fishing line release or remove the rotary flag.

Abstract: A stripping apron suitable for use by fly fishermen to hold the accumulated fishing line which is gathered by hand by the fisherman as he attempts to simulate the movement of an insect across the water's surface while retrieving the fishing line that he had cast out over the water's surface. The disclosed stripping apron is a light-weight, adjustable, detachable, stream-lined line storage device ideally suited to the needs of the professional fly fisherman.

Abstract: A safety trap setting device for use in conjunction with a snap type trap having a selectively activated member. The safety trap setting device has a structure configured to accept at least a portion of the snap type trap therein and a mechanism for preventing the selectively activated member from becoming fully activated when at least a portion of the snap type trap is within the structure of the snap type trap.

Abstract: A seedling growth enhancing device is disclosed which takes the form of an elongated tubular shell formed from three shell segments each having a radius of curvatures less than the effective radius of curvature of the tubular shell. The device is thermoformed from thermoplastic and includes a flexible hinge joining two common edges of the three shell segments. The third common edges are formed with male and female snapping members enabling the device to be formed around a seedling and snapped into place.

Abstract: A water pond potted plant support for supporting a potted plant in a body of water contained in an enclosure. The support has at least one horizontal circular pot receiving ring member configured to encircle a pot containing a potted plant and support it in an upright position adjacent to a surface of the enclosure at a selected depth beneath the top surface of the body of water. In one embodiment, the support has a horizontal circular base ring supported on a horizontal surface of the enclosure, a lower circular ring smaller in diameter than the diameter of the base ring, an intermediate circular ring, and an upper circular ring smaller in diameter than the intermediate circular ring connected in vertically spaced relation by a plurality of rod elements secured therebetween in circumferentially spaced relation and a bail pivotally connected to the upper ring.

Abstract: A removable protective cover for a flower receptacle at a grave marker includes a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion includes a generally tubular base member having open ends and a hole extending longitudinally therethrough. The base member also has a flange extending outwardly from its upper end. The lower open end of the base member is placed over the flower receptacle and lowered downwardly over the receptacle. The lower portion also includes a plate having an aperture in the center of the plate that is attached to the base member such that the aperture corresponds to the hole in the base member. The plate also has a plurality of slots provided around its periphery and an upturned lip extending upwardly from the periphery of the plate. The upper portion of the device includes a protective cover that can be removably connected to the plate to enclose and protect the flowers or other objects placed in the receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention provides manufactured seeds and related compositions and methods. The manufactured seeds comprise a unit of a totipotent plant tissue enclosed in a protective manufactured seed coat that includes an orifice sealed by a lid. The lid has a burst strength and architecture (e.g., a dome or nipple) similar to those of analogous structures in a natural botanic seed.

Abstract: A plant cover, comprising a base formed from a sheet of material, said base having an upper end, a lower end, and an outer peripheral surface, an opening intersecting the upper end forming an inner peripheral surface and a retaining space, a skirt formed from a sheet of material, said skirt connected to the upper end of the base, and expansion means formed integrally with the base, the expansion means comprising an excess of material, the expansion means permitting the base to expand and contract to both closely encompass and follow the contours of a pot. Methods of using a plant cover.

Abstract: A safety pole is comprised of a strip of plastic material having a normal elongated hollow cylindrical condition with overlapping longitudinal edges. A motor driven drum is mounted within a canister adapted to be recessed in the ground in spaced relation to a loading dock with the strip of plastic material connected at one end to the drum whereby the strip of plastic material may be wound on the drum in a flattened condition or extended vertically upwardly to form a pole. A loading dock is provided with a door and the operation of the motor driven drum is coordinated with the operation of the door so that when the door is open, the pole will be in the extended visible condition to warn a truck driver not to approach or leave a loading dock.

Abstract: A tilt window balance shoe assembly is used with a double hung window and provides three directional locking. The balance shoe assembly comprises a slide block, a center cam, a pair of brake shoes, and a locking lug. The slide block has a head portion with a retention slot for a balance mechanism and a generally cylindrical-shaped hole which receives the center cam. The slide block also has side apertures extending to the hole and a receiving opening in a back face of the slide block and extending to the hole. The center cam has a slot well, cam flats and cam rounds. The slot well receives a terminus of a pivot bar attached to the window. The brake shoes which are positioned in the side apertures and the locking lug which is positioned in the receiving opening are in operable association with the center cam. Tilting of the window about its lower pivot point causes the pivot bar to rotate the center cam.

Abstract: A parallelogram gate for controlling traffic on a roadway, comprised of an arm assembly that is rotatable between a raised position and a horizontal, longitudinally-extended, roadway blocking position, a housing, and a drive assembly mounted within the housing. The arm assembly has parallel, elongated upper and lower rails, and a plurality of spaced-apart pickets pivotally attached to the upper and lower rails. A stationary pivot attaches a pivot end of the upper rail to the housing. A pair of vertical, grooved channel guides are attached to the housing at a location within the housing that is intermediate the stationary pivot and a lower portion of the housing. The drive assembly includes a hydraulic cylinder having a vertically-upward directed piston arm and mounted to the lower portion of the housing. A horizontal pin inserted through a traveling clevis carried by the piston arm, and inserted through a pivot end of the lower rail, extends into a groove within each of the guides.

Abstract: A regulator assembly for extending a component, e.g., window, sunroof or adjustable seat, of an automotive vehicle utilizing a flexible belt. The regulator assembly has a drive that is rotationally coupled to a first gear element having a first set of teeth. A second gear element having a second set of teeth is spaced a predetermined distance apart from the first gear element to allow the first and second sets of teeth to mesh and to allow the flexible belt to weave therebetween. The flexible belt is attached to the component, and loops around first and second belt guiding devices, e.g., pulleys, which are located on opposing sides of the first and second gear elements. The regulator assembly can further include having the second gear element rotationally coupled to the drive as well.

Abstract: A window regulator for moving a pair of slidable window panes toward and away from one another utilizes three flexible, inextensible members such as cables to achieve a pull open/pull closed mode of operation of the slidable panes. First and second of the flexible members are attached to respective first and second pane carriers and to a drive drum, and the third flexible member connects the first and second pane carriers. The first and third flexible members are routed around pulleys located at outboard ends of a guide rail along which the pane carriers travel such that rotation of the drive drum in one direction pulls the panes toward an open position, and rotation of the drum in the opposite direction pulls the panes toward a closed position.

Abstract: A power drive system for driving the sliding rear windows in a pick-up truck includes a rack and pinion drive. In one embodiment, there are two sliding window portions, each associated with individual racks. Preferably, the single pinion drives both racks. In a second embodiment a single central window is utilized. Again, a rack and pinion preferably drives the window.

Abstract: With a device for connecting a motor vehicle window pane, connected to a pane socket, to a window lifter which has a follower connected to the guide and transport element of the window lifter, the follower and the pane socket are connected together through at least two spatially separated positive locking elements which engage in succession in each other during assembly and with keyed connection in different directions. First positive locking elements are thereby connected with each other in the assembly direction of the window pane and second positive locking elements are aligned opposite relative to each other in a plane running substantially at right angles to the assembly direction of the window pane and are brought into engagement with each other through a swivel movement of the window pane after connection of the first positive locking elements.

Abstract: An arrangement for avoiding self-excited frictional vibrations between two contacting bodies which move relative to one another, such as a vehicle window and a sealing element which rests thereon. The sealing element is made in the form of a hollow strip, and vibration damping materials or elements are mounted on either the interior or exterior thereof.

Abstract: A window guide for a side window of a motor vehicle side door in the vicinity of a door frame includes a frame profile, an inner cladding, and an outer cladding. The frame profile is made Z-shaped throughout, with an inner Z-leg flanking the window glazing being secured to a parallel connecting flange of the inner cladding and an outer Z-leg pointing away from the window glazing being attached flush to a parallel inner surface of the outer cladding.

Abstract: An automotive door trim panel assembly including a plastic inner panel having a relatively thick, rigid, hollow retaining section which is designed for snap-fit installation of the assembly with a weather seal having a snap-on groove defined therein to thereby eliminate the need for additional fastening hardware while at the same time to provide increased rigidity and ease of tooling. The assembly also includes a contour door trim member for the inner panel.

Abstract: A vehicle door module including window glass is presented which includes a box section belt having an angled bolt attachment and a double overlap attachment to maintain strength and rigidity of the door assembly. The incorporation of the box section belt to the vehicle door module permits the inclusion of the window glass and various parts of the lift system. The angled bolt attachment provides for efficient load transfer between the belt and the door frame through load sharing face contact and a bolt. The double overlap attachment provides for efficient load transfer through a lap joint and clamping forces provided by a bolt. The double overlap attachment further includes features which facilitate assembly while compensating for manufacturing tolerances and build variability. An embodiment of the double overlap joining includes interlocking ridges which engage to further enhance load transfer capability.

Abstract: Apparatus primarily for the storage of a motor vehicle comprises a base sheet (10), an inner cover sheet (11) defining in combination with the base sheet (10) a storage chamber and an outer cover sheet (12) substantially wholly overlying the inner cover sheet. The inner and outer cover sheets are joined together around their peripheral edges and are at least partially releasable from the base sheet, so as to give access to the interior of the storage chamber. At least one fan assembly (19) is provided to drive air from the external ambient into the storage chamber so as to inflate it and air is allowed slowly to leak out of that chamber, either directly or indirectly through the space between the inner and outer cover sheets (11) and (12), to the external ambient. The space between the inner and outer cover sheets may be inflated by air bleeding from the storage chamber into that space, or that space may separately be inflated.

Abstract: Expanded structures are formed by cutting a series of concentric rings or sections from a single block or sheet of solid material. The "rings" need not be circular, but may be any regular or irregular geometric or other shape as desired, so long as they are substantially concentric with one another. The cuts are made so that they angle outwardly from the upper to the lower surface of the block or sheet, and pass completely through the sheet or block. This provides a series of concentric sections, with each section having a lower, outer periphery which is at least slightly larger than the upper, inner periphery of the next larger adjacent section. This allows each section to be stacked atop a larger adjacent section, with the lower outer edge surface of each smaller section resting upon the upper inner edge surface of the larger section immediately therebelow.

Abstract: An adjustable connector assembly for coupling the adjacent lateral edges of construction panels including an intermediate extruded plate in a generally H-shaped configuration having planar interior legs with inwardly extending projections at their ends in a generally cylindrical configuration receivable within the receptors of first and second end components and having exterior arcuate legs extending in opposite directions from the center with centers of curvature coextensive with the projections and having an intermediate coupling member extending perpendicular between centers of the first legs and second legs.

Abstract: An enclosure that is fire-resistive for a predetermined period of time including a floor having a structural forging which is covered with a glass wool felt. A platform of wooden plates is affixed to the glass wool felt. Lateral expansion joints are positioned at ends of the wooden plates. A wooden skirting board is positioned over the expansion joints and resides against walls of the enclosure. The walls are formed by plywood boards, incombustible boards, and a wooden board formed by planks. A metallic square bar is affixed to the floor and resides at the bottom of the walls. A ceiling is self-supported at the top of the walls. The door of the enclosure includes a frame having a plurality of wooden parts having a steel plate extending across at least one face thereof. This steel plate is covered with an incombustible board.

Abstract: A plywood trailer pad system is provided for use with a trailer home including a plurality of trailer beams mounted thereunder and a plurality of trailer supports each mounted to one of the trailer beams and depending therefrom. Also included is a plurality of pads for being situated between a recipient surface and each trailer support of the trailer home. Each pad includes at least one piece of plywood with a planar configuration and a plurality of layers adhered with an adhesive and compacted with a predetermined force.

Abstract: A method of seismically strengthening a structure having a concrete beam mechanically coupled to a concrete deck. The method comprises forming a continuous, substantially linear bore through the deck and the beam and then attaching the deck to the beam via a threaded fastener. The deck and the beam are compressed between an enlarged head and a nut of the threaded fastener. Additionally, the method comprises placing a fireproof cap on an end of the threaded fastener protruding from the nut.

Abstract: A damping device includes a plurality of rockets (3) each having a nozzle (4) directed outward and disposed at the four corners on the upper floor of a building structure (1) and a device for sensing an earthquake and operating the rockets. With this arrangement, there can be provided a damping device for a building structure which is applicable not only to new building structures but also to existing building structures and can cope with a sudden exciting force caused by, for example, an earthquake with a vertical shock which has been conventionally impossible to be coped with.

Abstract: A solar energy collection system for a pitched roof covered with roofing plates, with support elements that can be laid in the ridge-eaves direction. The support elements can be laid overlapping one another in the ridge-eaves direction, whereby plate-shaped modules having cells are located on the joist elements butted up against one another or adjacent to neighboring roof covering plates. The length of which modules can be greater than the greatest coverage length of a roofing plate, and the width of which can be greater than the system coverage width of the roofing plate.

Abstract: There is described an improved flashing system for exterior doors and windows. The system comprises a header, right and left hand vertical drainage channels and right and left hand corner sections which join the header to the vertical channels on either side of the door or window. The header is designed to provide normal protection for the top of the door or window from water infiltration and also provides at the rear thereof a dam and weep holes for removal of any rainwater which may infiltrate between the flashing and applied siding. The system design provides a continuous channel to conduct any infiltrating water from the header via the corner sections to the vertical channels wherefrom it drains downward and is harmlessly removed at the base of the window or door.

Abstract: A roof structural system for use in all building types (i.e. single family homes, apartment buildings, condominiums, churches, etc.) consisting of precast, prestressed and/or post-tensioned concrete elements assembled in the field and complemented with poured in place concrete. These elements may consist of slabs, beams, soffits and/or any other structural component susceptible of being pre-programmed and precast in other than the job site.

Abstract: A construction panel is formed of a plurality of elongate subpanels where each subpanel comprises a plurality of expanded polystyrene blocks placed end to end. Tensioning cables pass over the inner and outer surfaces of the subpanels between tensioning plates positioned at each end of the subpanels. Tensioning the cables imparts longitudinal compression in the subpanels, such that the blocks of the subpanels act monolithically. The inner and outer surfaces of the subpanels are longitudinally convex. The panel may be corrugated. The subpanels may be interlocking to form the construction panel.

Abstract: A fully integrated building complex comprising a body of water, a first housing structured to resemble the Titanic and a generally domed-shaped second housing structured to resemble an iceberg. The first and second housings are each situated within the body of water so that a first portion is disposed within the body of water, resting on the bottom thereof, and a second portion is disposed above the body of water. The interior of the first and second housings are divided into a plurality of levels and may include an entranceway/lobby, guest quarters, restaurants and entertainment facilities, a casino and other hotel amenities, such as health clubs swimming pools, beauty salons, retail shops, etc. Access between the first housing and the shore is provided by a generally tubular-shaped enclosed gangway having at least one conveyor belt-like people mover.

Abstract: For trimming an archway, a drywall-trimming has a nose with an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface has a curved portion conforming substantially to an arcuate profile with a radius in a range from approximately 1/4 inch to approximately 3/4 inch. The drywall-trimming strip has a series of slits defining a series of tabs spaced from one another along a tabbed edge but not extending into the nose. Near the tabbed edge, the slits have widened, oblong portions. Usually, the drywall-trimming strip has a flange extending from and along an opposite edge, but the flange is omitted for some applications. A comparatively softer portion, which includes the juncture where the tabs are joined to the tabbed edge, is made from a comparatively softer, more flexible, polymeric material, such as polyvinyl chloride having a hardness of Durometer 92 Shore A.