Abstract: The present invention provides a substrate processing apparatus and method which can prevent accidents in advance so as to ensure safety against interruption of operations of the apparatus and leakage of processing substances. In a substrate processing method in which wafers W are processed are processed by feeding an ozone gas 5 to the wafers W loaded in a processing vessel 2 while an interior atmosphere in the processing vessel is being exhausted to be passed through an ozone killer 10, the ozone gas 5is fed under the conditions that the processing vessel 2 is tightly closed, and the ozone killer in its normal state. When the processing is interrupted, an interior atmosphere in the processing vessel 2 is forcedly exhausted. When the gas leaks, the interior atmosphere and a peripheral atmosphere of the processing vessel 2 are forcedly exhausted while the feed of the ozone gas 5 is paused.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a footwear construction having an insert of unitary structure and made of a single flexible material for providing increased structural support and strength of the footwear while maintaining flexibility of the footwear. Unlike the prior art insert, the present invention makes use of only a single material is used to manufacture the insert. A preferred material should be pliant or flexible and yet can provide the strength and structural support to the footwear in which the insert is used. Instead of using materials of different softness for the various sections in the insert to facilitate bending of the footwear, openings are added to various locations in the insert to facilitate planar bending movement. Such openings are commonly located in the forefoot section. To increase structural support and strength to the footwear, the insert is fixedly secured to the footwear.

Abstract: Protective footwear includes a metatarsal guard for providing protection of the metatarsal region of the wearer. The guard, which internal of the footwear, of integral nonrigid assembly having mutually overlying multiple layers each extending both longitudinally and transversely in overlying relation to the metatarsal region of the wearer. Each layer is nonrigid and flexible. Different materials make up the different layers to within the footwear both energy absorbing and force dissipating capability for absorbing and dissipating impact forces throughout the multiple layers in order to protect the metatarsal region of the wearer from impact forces and from being cut by sharp objects.

Abstract: A supportive, lightweight athletic shoe construction is described which includes an inflatable upper and a sole. The upper includes a foot conforming support member, an inflatable exoskeleton and an overlay which inhibits outward bulging of the exoskeleton. The sole includes a rigid carrier element, a forefoot unit and a heel unit. The forefoot unit includes a plurality of components which are arranged to work with the biomechanics of the foot. The athletic shoe is structurally minimalistic and functionally efficient.

Abstract: An outsole having a body member with an inner-structure including arcuately shaped channel members extending substantially from the medial to lateral sides thereof. The arcuately shaped channel members are spaced forwardly, rearwardly, and generally below the metatarsophalangeal joints of a wearer's foot inserted in footwear constructed from the outsole.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for directing a low turbulence vehicle-mounted air blast for use in clearing snow or debris from a road or runway. An air blast system is mounted in the central portion of the vehicle underneath the chassis. An air duct is positioned on either side of the truck adjacent to a channel which passes under the truck. The air ducts are designed with minimal curvature and internal baffles in order to minimize air flow turbulence.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for excavating material from a mining or reclamation operation, and is generally considered useful in open cast mining operations. The apparatus has a first conveyor and a second conveyor attached to a chassis. The first conveyor is fitted with a material remover such as a excavator bucket on a first end. Material discharges from the first conveyor onto a second conveyor which is generally longitudinally aligned with the first conveyor and has a material receiving point located elevationally below the discharge point of the first conveyor.

Abstract: Electric steam iron comprising an electrically heated soleplate (2), said soleplate (2) having at least one steam vent (20); a controllable steam generator (6) for supplying steam to the at least one steam vent (20), and control means (16) for controlling the steam generator (6); wherein the steam iron further comprises a temperature sensor means (24) for sensing the temperature of the soleplate (2), said temperature sensor means (24) in use supplying a temperature dependent signal to the control means (16) and the control means (16) being adapted to activate the steam generator (6) in accordance with a predetermined steam pattern comprising at least a first phase of a first predetermined duration, in which steam is supplied at a substantially constant peak steam rate, and at least a second phase, in which steam is supplied at a substantially constant lower steam rate, wherein at least said peak steam rate depends upon the temperature of the soleplate (2).

Abstract: An improved outdoor illuminated display device. The device generally comprises a modular housing, a base member and a plurality of lights positioned in the housing—either horizontally or vertically. A plurality of display modules are positioned on the housing and backlit by the lights. A door member is pivotally connected along its upper edge to the housing covering the modules. A pair of gas-assisted spring members are provided between the door member and the housing. Air gaps or air vents are provided in order to allow air circulation in the housing. A second member above the door member is provided for holding and displaying posters and other advertising and promotional materials. A plurality of clamping members hold the display materials in place. The second member can be illuminated or non-illuminated. Various modular units can be provided to increase the size and display space provided by the device.

Abstract: A module having a housing, a battery, control circuitry and electrical conductors. The battery and control circuitry are contained in the housing. The housing is adapted to be removably connected to the frame of a firearm. The electrical conductors are located on the housing and allow the battery and control circuit to be electrically connected to other components of the firearm. The housing can be connected at a hand grip section of the firearm and forms a substantial portion of at least one exterior side of the firearm at the hand grip section.

Abstract: A holster security device comprising a latching mechanism which is attached to a holster on a side portion thereof so as to form an integral unit. The device comprises a finger-operated tab extending beyond the housing of the security device and a latch hook which engages a male fastener mounted on a holster safety strap. When the male fastener engages its female counterpart and is aligned with the security device, the strap acts to restrain a firearm. A standard lock and key system is used to provide a high-level of security by locking the moving portions of the safety device and preventing unauthorized removal or theft of a firearm. Another feature of the invention is a trigger safety lock operable in conjunction with a latching mechanism while the firearm is seated in the holster. Optionally, the operation of the safety device parts can be mechanically, electrically, or electronically assisted.

Abstract: Use of a handgun is achieved by having a user wear a passive unique RF tag that may be imbedded in a ring on the shooting hand of the user, a wristband, etc. The RF tag is designed to communicate with an RF system embedded in the stock of a firearm. The RF system includes a battery powered micro-controller, a watchdog timer that pings the surrounding area seeking a pre-programmed unique RF code, an RF coil, a programming port, RF interface circuitry, a latching actuator, and a latch. If the RF tag matches the RF code then the latch actuator releases the latch that engages a mechanical firing mechanism and allows the firearm to be discharged. The firearm remains active as long as the RF tag and RF code remain within range of the RF system and is returned to safe mode when the RF tag is no longer detected.

Abstract: A triangular float system for “Jug Fishing”. The float is formed as an equilateral triangle having three sides and three apices. A fishing line is connected to one apex and carries a weight on its opposite end. Fish hooks are secured to the line with bait on the hooks. When a fish strikes, the downward pull on the line tips the float so that the leg opposite the attachment apex is slightly elevated above the surface of the water to provide a clear indication that a strike has occurred. This same leg serves as a handle for lifting the float and, hence, the fish out of the water. An air valve connects with the float to permit inflation thereof.

Abstract: A finger release sling holder for a sling spear comprising a sling holder adapted to receive a spear shaft, said sling holder is notched to receive and hold the spear sling when tensioned until it is removed from the sling holder when ready to fire. The sling holder may be attached to the spear shaft in a variety of ways; however, once the sling holder is attached, the sling is placed therein. Now the sling spear is in a cocked position, allowing the user to lightly carry the weapon, making maneuvering through the water easier and more enjoyable. Once the prey is observed, the sling is removed from the holder and the holder is used as a handle improving the fisherman's ability to hold onto the spear during firing. Releasing grasp of the holder, while retaining the sling, allows the sling to propel the spear through the water towards the target.

Abstract: A Fishing Rod Holder for Bank and Coastal Fishing consisting of a 3-4 foot rigid rod secured with plastic tie wraps and adhesive to a rigid tube, the ends of which have been cut at parallel angles. The said rod, being of rigid material and extending to top of rod holder, can be hammered into hard ground. The said tube, being of sufficient inside diameter, accommodates all rod handles, even pistol grip. Angled cut of bottom of said tube allows rod holder to be inserted deep into ground, encompassing part of the said tube. In soft ground or beach situations this makes the rod holder very secure in all situations, even when a fish is hooked on the line and even after prolonged fighting. Angled cut at top of said tube secures rod and reel, preventing swiveling, and allowing a person who has the use of only one arm to reel in the fish.

Abstract: The lure 10 comprises a main body part 12, head part 14 and a tail part 16. Extending from the central portion of the main body portion are three pairs of elongate members 22 formed so as to represent legs, for example the legs of a particular species or type of insect. The lure is simply assembled by inserting the angling hook 36 into a U-shaped channel 18 which is provided in each of the head 14, main body 12 and tail 16, either closely adjacent to each other or with spaces therebetween.

Abstract: A diving fishing weight is for receiving a length of fishing line with a first end connected to a fish catching device and a second end connected to a rod and reel assembly. The fishing weight includes a dive-inducing member constructed to dive through water, and dive-stop structure in communication with the dive-inducing member and the fishing line, and being actuable by a force exerted along the fishing line to stop the fishing weight from diving. The dive-inducing member includes a body that has a front region oriented generally toward the fish catching device, a rear region oriented generally toward the rod and reel assembly, opposed sides and an upper surface. The dive-stop structure includes a passage defined by the body that extends through at least a portion of the body, with the passage having a first end proximate the front region of the body and a second end on the upper surface.

Abstract: A contact killing solution for extermination insects, the killing solution containing water and between about 0.0001 percent and about 10.0 percent by weight capsicum. In a preferred embodiment, the killing solution contains an inert carrier oil, such as mineral oil.

Abstract: A method of containing organic debris such as leaves in piles or layers is disclosed. The method comprises the utilization of a chemical composition for coating the generally upward facing leaves in order to bond them together into larger sections. Once the separate leaves are bonded together by the coating, the larger sections provide a protective covering that keeps the wind from disturbing the pile or layer. Further, in some instances the coating may include a biological agent that facilitates the decomposition of the organic debris. In other instances the coating may also include a fertilizer that would be beneficial if the organic debris was used as mulch spread around plants. Also disclosed are methods for applying coating using a distributing device.

Abstract: An improved and accelerated method of producing vegetable sprouts with surprisingly high levels of vitamin nutrients. In general, retention of high vitamin levels is improved by accelerating the growing cycle, and the growing cycle is accelerated by initially saturating the seed bed with a jet stream of water at a pressure in the range of 80-90 p.s.i. After the initial washing, the seeds are covered with a greenhouse dome, and placed under a light source. After an initial period, such as 12 hours, the seeds are periodically misted with water to complete the growth cycle. In experimental trials with broccoli, the sprouts were harvested after only 36 hours, and chemical analysis showed that the sprouts possessed surprisingly high levels of vitamin B-1, also known as thiamine.

Abstract: A small control device assembled efficiency is presented. The control device includes a door for releasing a control unit when a general user connects wiring, and a door for releasing a power supply unit for maintenance service. The control device may further includes a door locking mechanism, a partition wall for separating the control unit and power supply unit, and a mechanism for mounting components on both sides of the wall in a three-dimensional space. A notch may be formed in the wall. Moreover, the control device may include a mechanism for releasing a rear side of a case from the top, and a mechanism for releasing at least one side of the case.

Abstract: A sliding door arrangement for use on a box car, the box car having a main body and an opening on one side of the body. The sliding door arrangement comprises a rail system on the body at the opening, the rail system has a top rail and a bottom rail horizontally orientated and located at a top side and a bottom side respectively of the opening, a housing defining the door which is arranged to close upon the opening, a rail assembly coupled to the housing and connected to the rail system at a top side and a bottom side of the housing respectively such that the housing is slidably moved in a generally horizontal direction on the rail system for opening and closing the opening, a rigid frame within the housing for providing structure to the housing and a securing mechanism which is arranged to pull the door inward towards the opening for engagement thereon.

Abstract: A box gutter connector is in the form of a trough having first and second limbs for connection to gutters, one limb being for connection to a box gutter and having its outer surface shaped to aid spread and keying of adhesive/sealant between the connector and the box gutter.

Abstract: A universal building unit comprising a plurality of members connected to each other by at least one adjustable plate. There is also at least one panel connected to the plurality of members. In this case, the plurality of members, the adjustable plate, and the panels all connect together to form a universal building unit that can be repeatedly constructed and combined with adjacent building units to form a building structure. These building units also contain a heating and cooling system for heating and cooling each unit within the structure. In addition, these units can be combined in any manner to create stairs, walls, doors, fixed and movable partitions, windows, roofs, or any other type of building component. These building units comprise a series of simple, easy to install fittings and steel profiles to create framing for any type of building.

Abstract: A building structure utilizes gravity load to balance lateral loads due to seismic or wind motions. The system is comprised of v-shaped tension-only braces located at the centers of heavily loaded girders. The gravity load upon the girders will tend to move upward and counter-balance any lateral movements of the structure. This upward movement, simulating the action of a roly-poly man toy, creates a non-collapse, ever-stable system regardless of how much the seismic or wind loads exceed the original design level.

Abstract: A contoured roof ventilation system having a strip with an air-permeable portion located adjacent to a ridge slot. Stand-off clips are provided which can be placed over the air-permeable strip at fastener locations which are located on flat portions of the roof panels. A sealing material may be placed beneath the air-permeable strip at such fastener locations to prevent the ingress of moisture beneath the panels.

Abstract: A window assembly for a mass transit vehicle adapted to receive a transparent protective member to be positioned adjacent an inner surface of a piece of window glazing by a set of retaining brackets that provide rapid removal of the member without having to remove the retaining brackets. The retaining brackets enclose all four edges of the vehicle window glazing and incorporate a defined space between the window glazing an the inner surface of the retaining brackets. The protective member is positioned within the defined space and can be moved between a secured position and a release position.

Abstract: A surround molding assembly for a doorway or window of a structure such as a residential home or a commercial building. In one embodiment, a decorative molding strip includes a base strip and a decorative strip interconnected by a living hinge. The decorative strip may be pivoted about the living hinge to a closed position over the base strip to hide internally located fasteners. In an embodiment, an extension cap is interconnected between a corner member and a decorative molding strip without external fasteners. In another preferred embodiment, a door surround molding assembly is provided which includes a pair of vertical molding members releasably secured via independent hanger strips along vertical sides of a doorway.

Abstract: The present invention provides a track concealment system for use with a movable wall system having movable walls, a track and a trolley. The invention includes a pair of panels, each sized to conceal a portion of the track, and a pair of brackets each having a first portion attachable to the track and a second portion configured to support an edge of a corresponding panel. When supported by the second portion, the panels are arranged such that the edge of said panel is adjacent the connecting member thereby concealing the track.

Abstract: This invention is a revolutionary building technique with multiple applications that addresses many known needs in a vast marketplace that far surpasses existing technology. Energy savings alone is an extremely important worldwide issue that has not been addressed by other building techniques today, as it should have been. Today, Americans are dependent upon the radical and unstable oil producing nations for our energy. This trend is unwise and extremely dangerous to the peace of our nation. Measures must be taken now to slow down the depletion of natural energy resources. This process is a cutting edge, innovative technological building system that produces the highest energy efficiency in addition to fire protection, termite protection, moisture protection, sound resistance and wind resistance possible at a cost comparable to wood, block or steel construction.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite panel with a facade comprising a planar arrangement of thin discrete facers on a body of structural backing material. The method comprises the steps of providing a horizontal casting bed, providing a plurality of facers each with a chamfer at a corner between side and rear walls. Arranging the plurality of facers in abutting relationship atop the casting bed and in a selected pattern in a face down planar configuration so that the chamfers on the facers open upwardly and define narrow elongated sealant channels at joints between contiguous facers. Depositing a sealant in the channels and pouring concrete as a structural backing material atop the facers, the rear surfaces of the facers and the concrete adhering to form a composite panel.

Abstract: A deck construction including a plurality of supports for anchoring deck construction elements to a building site. The supports include a body (which may be an integrally molded concrete pier) having upper and lower portions. The upper portion includes at least one slot for seating a horizontally oriented construction member. The slot includes a center socket portion having four extended corners for seating the bottom end of a vertically oriented construction member. The slot and center socket are defined by connecting wall portions which may be integral to the body or may be of plastic or metal and suitable secured to the body. In some cases, two mutually perpendicular slots are provided.

Abstract: A deck construction including a plurality of supports for anchoring deck construction elements to a building site. The supports include a body (which may be an integrally molded concrete pier) having upper and lower portions. The upper portion includes at least one slot for seating a horizontally oriented construction member. The slot includes a center socket portion having four extended corners for seating the bottom end of a vertically oriented construction member. The slot and center socket are defined by connecting wall portions which may be integral to the body or may be of plastic or metal and suitable secured to the body. In some cases, two mutually perpendicular slots are provided.

Abstract: A connector frame for use as a support member for mounting grilles at ventilation openings in a building structure. The connector frame allows the grills to be mounted in slightly different locations to hide imperfections at the edges of the ventilation openings. The connector frame may include a pair of single connector frames that may be separated into two singly usable frames.

Abstract: An elongate strutural member comprising a structural outer shell and at least one arcuate or diagonal reinforcing member within, for use in structural, semi-structural or cladding applications to carry floor loading, walkway loading, wheeled loading, pressure loading in buildings, bridges and other loading carrying applications.

Abstract: Insulated wall forms that remain in place and include an exterior wall covering such as stucco or a brick facade, an interior wall covering such as gypsum board or both an exterior wall covering and an interior wall covering greatly simplify wall construction using a hardenable material such as concrete and reduce steps needed to put a finished wall in place.

Abstract: A molded skirting board, crown molding, or other decorative moldings simulating natural wood millwork, and a method of molding a loose cellulosic mat, in a single pressing step, to provide one or more relatively high density, skirting boards without requiring preliminary pressing, or other pre-shaping step, such as scalping. The molded articles are molded in a conventional, multi-opening fiberboard press to produce multiple, interconnected parts in a single pressing step process, while achieving excellent transfer of mold detail (embossing fidelity) without visually noticeable fiber fracture. A corrugated or L-shaped, hidden stiffening/positioning member spaces the article from a wall or ceiling to simulate thick, heavier, natural wood millwork.

Abstract: There is described a bracket for joining together extruded sections, particularly for the construction of suspended ceiling frameworks, The bracket comprises a pair of spaced and parallel engagement edges which can be rotated into engagement with a pair or opposed recesses in the extruded section. A resilient finger engages with the extruded section to prevent reverse rotation of the bracket relative to the section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a butt joint of wooden construction components such as frame components, joined together with contact surfaces, and in particular to a post-and-lock bolt joint. Such a joint has at least one connection element that is symmetrical with respect to a center plane and has the form of a dovetail-shaped double wedge, or other undercuts. This connection element engages grooves that are open toward the contact surfaces and are adapted to the cross sections of the connection elements extending on both sides of the center plane, and bridge the contact plane between the wooden construction components. The grooves are open toward the same side edges of the wooden construction components. The butt joint is secured by at least one long-stretching second connection element that is received in sections of the wooden construction components, bridging the contact plane, and which transversely penetrates the first connection element.

Abstract: A portable fall-arrest system is designed for convenient attachment and/or removal relative to a concrete beam. The system includes stanchions which are preferably secured to respective anchorages embedded within a reinforced concrete beam. The anchorages may alternatively be used to support other types of personnel safety devices. The preferred embodiment anchorage may be described as a flared coil loop insert having a threaded neck. The loop is disposed inside the concrete beam and the neck extends to the outer surface of the concrete beam. The neck is sized and configured to receive and retain a threaded shaft associated with a safety device. The anchorage provides a convenient and reliable anchor point in a concrete beam without drilling into the beam and/or potentially weakening its structural integrity.

Abstract: A spacer channel for a frame which separates window panes to form an insulated window has a plurality of openings through a wall of the channel that faces outward along the periphery of the frame and glass sandwich. The openings are designed to prevent significant passage of sealant from the outside of the channel to the inside of the channel through the openings. This is done by the cross sectional area of each opening being so small that it resists viscous flow of the sealant through the opening, or by a cover over the opening.

Abstract: A bottle-capping machine has a rotor rotatable about a substantially stationary horizontal axis and having radially oppositely outwardly directed arms each having an outer end formed as a seat adapted to hold one of the caps. A conveyor moves the bottles through a fitting station below the axis and a downwardly open magazine holding a stack of the caps in a pick-off station above the axis is vertically displaceable between a lower position with the stack engageable with the seat in the pick-off station and an upper position with the stack clear of the seat in the pick-off station. A vertically displaceable stripper element fixed to the magazine is engageable with the cap on the seat in the fitting station to strip the cap from the seat in the fitting station and apply it to the neck of a bottle in the fitting station.

Abstract: A machine for fixing lids to packages for moist wipes, tissues or the like, comprising, on a supporting structure, elements for the advancement of enclosures for packages, a lid application unit, adhesive distribution elements and elements for feeding the lids, the application unit being arranged below the advancement elements so as to apply the lids from below.

Abstract: A method of controlling wrapping materials for an article including wrapping an article with plastic, paper and headers at a place of assembly for the article; removing the plastic, paper and headers from the article at a place of use of the article; recycling the plastic into recycled plastic at a place of recycling of plastic; reconditioning the headers into reconditioned headers at a place of reconditioning of headers; and recycling the paper into recycled paper at a place of recycling of paper.

Abstract: A method for wrapping a floral grouping using a wrapper formed of an optical effect material having a holographic design which constitutes at least a portion of the decor of the decorative wrapper. The optical effect material may include printed matter and/or embossed pattern to provide at least a portion of the decor of the decorative cover. The method also includes crimp connecting means for holding overlapping portions of the wrapper in a crimped position adjacent a stem portion of the floral grouping.

Abstract: A method of product packaging wherein oblong sleeve-simulating product packaging labels are adapted to be printed with variable product information as weight data and are fed long-edge first towards a product packaging station while being maintain in an indexed relationship to a series of product items which are likewise fed towards the product packaging station. By adopting a long-edge-first feed direction for the packaging elements the indexed relationship with the product items can be established and maintained whereby direct printing of the variable data on the packaging elements or sleeves is feasible without the need to resort to printing on adhesive labels for application to the sleeved product.

Abstract: A mobile, automatic sandbagging machine includes a source of sandbags and a guide track positioned adjacent to the source of sandbags. A hook attached to a chain of the guide track selectively removes a sandbag from the source of sandbags and advances the sandbag along the guide track. An end of the sandbag is opened under a fill chute, and the sandbag is partially filled with fill material. A closing mechanism closes the open end of the sandbag and the sandbag is removed from the machine.

Abstract: A method of package storage and retrieval by providing within a retail outlet a receptacle with a compartment capable of receiving, retaining and releasing at least one package deposited by a sender for pick-up by a recipient thereby beginning a transaction. A sender is provided access to the receptacle to deposit a pre-ordered package within the receptacle for a recipient. A recipient is provided access to the receptacle to retrieve the package and thereby completing a transaction such that the compartment may be used for another transaction.

Abstract: A dispenser for administering liquid or paste medication to a horse has a hollow tube open at one end for insertion of a plunger rod and is closed off at an intermediate location by a stop, with an upward-pointing aperture for ejection located adjacent the stop. The tube is supported at each end by members attachable to a bridle, with the tube and support members simulating normal components of a bridle. For liquid medication the liquid is introduced into the tube through the ejection aperture, with the plunger rod in place. For paste material the medication is introduced axially into the open end of the tube by a tight-fitting syringe, and the same syringe is then used to eject a portion of the medicine. Ejection is then completed by removing the syringe and inserting the plunger rod to eject the remaining material.

Abstract: A disposable or reusable multi-layer dust filtration and collection system having a highly air permeable inner filter ply of randomly intertangled, discontinuous microfibers of synthetic material, at least one outer ply of air permeable cellulose, synthetic, or cellulose/synthetic blended material, and an air permeable collar affixed to the outer surface of the outer ply material(s). The outer ply(s) of material are not only air permeable, but have high abrasion resistance and strength for high airflow velocity industrial applications, such as mining. The inner ply has high filtration efficiency to help retain hazardous airborne particulate matter, such as silica, from operators of the industrial machinery generating the matter.