Abstract: A shoe sole particularly for athletic footwear for supporting the foot of an intended wearer having multiple rounded bulges existing as viewed in a frontal plane of the sole during a shoe unloaded, upright condition. The bulges include concavely rounded inner and outer portions for approximating the structure of and support provided by the natural foot. When utilizing multiple bulges, the shoe sole may include indentations between the bulges to define a flexibility axis of the shoe sole. The bulges can be located proximate to important structural support areas of an intended wearer's foot on either or both sides of the shoe sole or the middle portion of the shoe sole, or on various combinations of these locations. The bulges include side and upper midsole portions to improve stability while also improving cushioning and comfort. The bulges can be tapered as viewed in a horizontal plane to improve flexibility and reduce unnecessary weight.

Abstract: Alpine ski boot, the lower part of the boot of which comprises, at the front and/or at the rear, a kerb of standardized height intended to allow the boot to be held on a ski by a front binding and a rear binding, in which the kerbs consist, over part of their height, of a part (4) nonremovably secured to the lower part of the boot (2) and, over the remainder of the height, at the choice of the user, of a removable attached piece (8) that can be fixed under the part nonremovably secured to the lower part of the boot or of a removable attached piece (9) that can be fixed on the top of the part nonremovably secured to the lower part of the boot. This allows the boot to be raised off the ski.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a releasable locking assembly for attaching a wear member to a support structure. It may be used with excavating equipment for attaching ground-engaging teeth to adaptors, lip shrouds to bucket lips, or other analogous uses. The wear member includes at least one pin-retainer-receiving opening in one side. The opening is tapered, being narrower at its outer surface and wider at its inner surface. The support structure includes at least one pin-receiving recess which generally aligns with the opening in the wear member when the wear member and the support structure are operatively coupled. The pin retainer is a frustoconically shaped cylinder which is threaded internally. It is inserted into the opening in the wear member. The wear member is slidably mounted onto the support structure. The pin is an elongate body which is externally threaded. It is screwed into the pin retainer by the application of torque force from a standard ratchet tool.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices, methods and product for removing wrinkles and smoothing fabric, especially articles of clothing, linen and drapery, using ultrasonic energy and an ultrasonic transmission fluid.

Abstract: A decorative device containing fluid and particles of motion which are propelled in motion by a rotating magnet within the fluid container. The rotating magnet within the fluid is propelled in rotation by a magnet external to the fluid container. The rotating magnet external to the fluid container is connected to and rotated by a rotary mechanism.

Abstract: A light emitting portion is formed in such a manner that LED chips 2 are provided on the one ends of the leads 1 for the respective segments of a numeral which is a part of a display image. A reflecting case in which light conducting portions are provided so as to correspond to the parts of the display image is formed so that the LED chips are encircled by the respective light conducting portions. Light permeable resin 4 is filled in the reflecting case so that the interior of the reflecting case 3 and the one ends of the plurality of leads are fixed. An uneven portion is formed at least a portion of an outer peripheral side wall of the reflecting case.

Abstract: A compact, portable backlighted artwork display unit so flexible it may be used in conjunction with any display device of choice, introducing entirely new art forms utilizing many variabtions of PLATEN and lighting diversity that may be combined or mixed to produce artistic dimensions and displays heretofore unknown.

Abstract: A frame calendar system. It comprises a frame assembly having a frame window. A portion of this frame window is covered by a transparent plate. A stack of calendar sheets each having a calendar date table and a calendar picture can be loaded into this frame assembly. The calendar picture is shielded and displayed behind the transparent plate while the calendar date table is exposed to facilitate memorandum writing and page turning without opening the frame assembly. A custom picture can also be loaded and displayed in lieu of the calendar picture. A spring clamp and magnets are disclosed for allowing a calendar sheet having only the calendar date table to be mounted on and removed from the frame without opening the frame assembly.

Abstract: A lightweight weapon housing system is disclosed for a self-loading firearm. The weapon housing includes an outer and an inner housing. A wall structure in the weapon housing reinforces the magazine chamber and transmits the transverse forces arising in the magazine into an inner housing, which suffers any resulting deformation and which can be exchanged in a simple manner should deformation result.

Abstract: A two-stage fishing bobber including a bobber main body normally buoyable in a body of water with the bobber main body having an opening extending through a vertical float axis of the bobber main body and a slideable rod slidably positioned in the cavity of the bobber main body with the slideable rod normally resiliently maintained in the bobber main body in an up position but downwardly displaceable with respect to the bobber main body in response to a first force on the fishing line. In one embodiment the force is sufficient to displace the slideable rod with respect to the bobber main body but not sufficient for a viewer to discern the displacement of the bobber main body with respect to the body of water to thereby provide a first-stage visually indication.

Abstract: An electric exhaler for the vaporization of disinfesting insecticide products comprises a heating resistance (R) and a refill of porous ceramic material (S) impregnated with an active substance apt to be evaporated at high temperature. The resistance (R) is apt to reach a surface temperature of at least 500° C. and the ceramic refill (S) is positioned in tight contact therewith. Preferably, the resistance (R) is cylindrical and the refill (S) has a cross-section having a &OHgr;- or C-shape, the curved portion of which has an inner radius corresponding to the outer radius of the resistance (R).

Abstract: Each of interacting toys comprises a housing defining its form and outward appearance, means for transmitting messages with information about the first toy, means for receiving messages transmitted by the other toy with information about the second toy, means for reproducing reaction of the first toy to the second toy and to the user interaction, storage means containing data about reactions of the first toy to various other toys and to various user actions.

Abstract: This invention is a fuel composition for use in internal combustion engines comprising a major amount of a base fuel which contains no more than 10% by weight of olefins and no more than 10% by weight of esters, and greater than 5% by weight based on the total composition of an oxygenate selected from the group consisting of a saturated, aliphatic monohydric alcohol having on an average from 8 to 20 carbon atoms, one or more ketones having on an average 5 to 25 carbons, and mixtures of the alcohol(s) and ketone(s). The amount of the oxygenate in the fuel composition is sufficient to provide the fuel with at least 0.5% by weight of oxygen. The oxygenate significantly reduces particulate emissions from the exhausts of diesel powered engines.

Abstract: A paper product (1), such as a greeting card, comprises two paper surfaces (2,3) glued to one another by means of an adhesive. Between said paper surfaces (2,3) at least one germinable seed-corn is arranged. According to the invention said germinable seed-corn is located in the area of a section (4). Said section (4) is separable from the paper product along a perforation (5).

Abstract: A decorative cover for use with a plant having substantial horizontal growth is provided, as well as methods of making and using same. The decorative cover includes a base in which the plant can be disposed and a decorative border connected to and extending from the base. The decorative border has a curvilinear, undulating configuration which permits the decorative border to hold, support and cushion individual leaves and petioles of the plant to prevent damage thereto and to accommodate horizontal growth of the leaves and petioles of the plant.

Abstract: A reformer reactor 10 for producing a hydrogen-rich gas includes a first zone 18, a second zone 20, a third zone 22, a fourth zone 24 and a product gas collection space 40. The zones are sequentially adjacent. A flow path P1 is provided for directing flow of a reaction stream in diverging directions from the first zone 18 into the second zone 20, the flow of the reaction stream continuing in the same general diverging directions through the second zone 20 and into and through the third and fourth zones 22, 24. Directing the flow in diverging directions permits flow into and through a zone over more than just a single cross-sectional geometry of the zone or a single cross-section of the flow path transverse to the direction of flows. This configuration can be used to require a lower pressure for flowing the reaction stream so as to reduce the parasitic requirements of the reactor. This configuration can also be used to increase throughput of the reactor.

Abstract: A fuel reforming apparatus includes a reforming catalyst, a filtering member, a raw material supply flow passage and a processed gas flow passage. The filtering member has a plurality of cells. A reforming catalyst is carried on a surface of a partition on the side of the processed gas flow passage. If raw gas including hydrocarbon fuel is supplied to the fuel reforming apparatus and filtered by the filtering member, soot included in the raw gas is trapped by gaps in the partition, and the hydrocarbon fuel is reformed into reformed gas including hydrogen and carbon monoxide on the reforming catalyst. By increasing the amount of air supplied from a blower at intervals of time, the soot trapped by the partition is removed by combustion.

Abstract: Asphalt composition ridge cover formed from an approximately rectangular sheet of asphalt composition roofing material. The sheet of asphalt composition material is bent around a radius through approximately a ninety degree angle along the centerline so that no more than minimal bending of the ridge cover is required during later installation.

Abstract: A swimming pool cover (10) is provided for a swimming pool (5) which can be lowered to cover portion of the room floor (2) and can be then raised to a position above the pool (5) and adjacent the ceiling (4). The cover (10) is suspended from the ceiling (4) by various wire ropes and associated winches.

Abstract: A wall plate for attaching a structural beam to a masonry wall is disclosed. The wall plate has a flat plate having at least two bolt holes and an absence of nail holes therethrough. At least one anchor is fixed to the flat plate and extends from one side of it. Means are welded to that side which have at least two threaded apertures therethrough, where each aperture is aligned with a bolt hole. There is a removable covering over the means.

Abstract: Modular tenon and slot mortise building blocks include, for each building block: (a) hollow rectangular parallelepiped center block, (b) an outer siding member, (c) a first tenon member sandwiched between the center block and the siding member, (d) an inner facing member, and (e) a second tenon member sandwiched between the center block and the facing member. The tenon members are parallel and mounted to longitudinal sides of the center block. The tenon members are positioned and of a length so as to extend longitudinally of a first end of the center block by a first distance and so as to form mortised first and second recesses having a first depth behind the first and second tenon members, respectively, between the siding member and the center block and between the facing member and the center block. The first distance is substantially equal to the first depth.

Abstract: A quick and easy technology for attaching, and facilitating reconfiguration (detachment and reattachment) of, panels to walls that uses a clamp assembly including a base, a receptacle attached to the base and a clasp that fits into and attaches to the receptacle. The clasp has resilient arms and a head. Insertion of the resilient arms of the clasp into the receptacle draws the head towards the base, which produces a clamping action. Alternatively, the clamp assembly includes a channel having sidewalls attached to a base and at least one fastener having a blade-like shank and a head. The sidewalls converge so as to be more closely spaced together at the opening of the channel than at its base. The at least one fastener appears. T-shaped in cross section, and is sized so that insertion of the blade-like shank into the channel widens the opening. Alternatively, the clamp assembly includes a first clamping piece and a second clamping piece configured to cooperatively engage each other.

Abstract: A masonry block having indentations and rounded and recessed portions to facilitate the bundling and transport of a bundle of the masonry blocks using convention bundling straps. A bundle of masonry blocks is formed such that on the top row of the bundle the indentations of the masonry blocks are facing upward, and on the bottom row of the bundle the indentations of the masonry blocks are facing the ground. The masonry blocks are also positioned such that the external edges of the rows of the bundle comprise rounded and recessed portions of the masonry blocks.

Abstract: A lattice girder supporting frame for tunnel lining includes upper and lower boom members arranged parallel to each other to form a triangle. Truss braces spatially connect the upper and lower boom members to each other, wherein each of the truss braces has straight brace parts angled relative to each other, and each of the straight brace parts is connected to each other at one end via a straight bridge piece. The truss braces are arranged in a symmetrical plane extending laterally from the upper boom member to an axis of the lower boom members. Cross ties extend at right angles relative to the lower boom members, for connecting the lower boom members to each other, wherein the truss braces abut the lower boom members without bending and are welded to the lower boom members.

Abstract: A lattice girder supporting frame for mine and tunnel lining has a plurality of boom members arranged in parallel relative to each other, forming a triangle. The boom members are spatially connected to each other by straight braces arranged along the edges of a pyramid so as to form a truss brace. The braces are each welded to the boom members at the contact faces between a straight brace part and an upper boom and a straight brace part and a lower boom. The lower booms are connected to each other via cross-ties arranged at right angle relative to such booms and the cross-ties form two sides of the pyramid base surface wherein four comer points of the base are defined by the truss braces at the contact points between the lower booms and braces.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for adjustably suspending and positioning eight post anchors at a time for an octagonal structure regardless of a shape and size of a floor form. The apparatus includes eight trapezoid template panels to form an octagonal template, sixteen “wing” post anchor holders attached to along the anti-parallel sides of said trapezoid template panels, and screws to firmly assemble eight template panels. For a large structure, the apparatus may also include braces which diagonally hold and stabilize each of the template panels to prevent them from shifting. The device facilitates placements of post anchors in octagonal position and the process of permanently securing the post anchors by pouring cement. The device can be easily removed after concrete has hardened, this speeds the construction process of finishing an entire floor.

Abstract: An automobile door reinforcing member consists of a twin pipes exercising high strength and rigidity.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a banding packing machine capable of easily processing a right presser member, a left presser member and a middle presser member, reducing the number of parts and readily carrying out attachment with high precision. A drum portion of at least a middle presser member (24) provided in a central part in a right presser member (22), a left presser member (23) and the middle presser member (24) has a sectional shape of an almost track including a pair of circular arc portions (26a, 26d) opposed to each other and a pair of straight portions (26c, 26d) opposed to each other, and one of ends of each of drum portions (27, 28) in the right presser member (22) and the left presser member (23) which are opposed to the straight portions (26c, 26d) of the middle presser member (24) is formed rectilinearly.

Abstract: A non-powered packaging material transporting surface for use in combination with a load support surface of a wrapping apparatus for wrapping a top and bottom of a load is provided. The non-powered packaging material transporting surface includes non-driven rollers aligned in an inline configuration, and a packaging material support guard adjacent to the non-driven rollers. The packaging material support guard bridges gaps between the inline rollers, thereby preventing capture of packaging material between the non-driven rollers. The non-driven rollers rotate as packaging material, wrapped around a load on a top surface of the load support surface and around the non-powered packaging material transporting surface on the underside surface of the load support surface, is moved along the transporting surface.

Abstract: With a conventional baling machine, for tying an article resting on a pallet with a band, the article resting on the pallet is required to be placed in a frame of an arch guide. To solve this problem, the present invention provides a baling machine including a main body having a band feeding mechanism, a band bonding mechanism, and a band cutting mechanism; a vertical table (3) to be aligned with an article resting on a pallet; a band guide (7) provided to be drawn out from under the vertical table (3) in a horizontal direction; a support mechanism for supporting the band guide (7) inside the main body allowing it to slide; and wheels (17) provided to the main body, wherein the band guide (7) slides above the ground contact face of the wheels (17).

Abstract: An agricultural implement attached to a farm tractor by a three point hitch is used to cut the top of mature cotton stalks, or shred harvested crops or mow turn rows. Knives are mounted on the bottom of vertical shafts which are rotated by belt driven pulleys. The pulleys are driven from a right angle gear box which is driven from the power take off of the tractor. The knives are staggered along either side of a beam traverse to the direction of travel, so that the knives cannot strike other knives as they mow over-lapping swaths.

Abstract: A lawn mower comprising a cutting deck mounted on castor wheel assemblies wherein the deck is mounted on four castor wheel assemblies each located in the region of a corner of the cutting deck preferably with two castor wheel assemblies located towards the front of the cutting deck and two are located towards the rear of the cutting deck. One pair of castor wheel assemblies mounted on one edge of the cutting deck are located closer to each other than the other pair of castor wheel assemblies mounted on the opposite edge of the cutting deck to form a trapezium. Ideally there is at least one friction reduction mechanism in the form of either a roller or rotatable ball mounted on at least one side of the cutting deck.

Abstract: An implement for displacing crop lying on the ground comprising a rake having two rotatable motor-driven side-by-side rake wheels which form crop lying on the ground into a swath which is formed between them. Immediately behind the rake is a motor-drivable tedder comprising two rotatable tedder members which immediately spread the crop which was just formed into a swath over the ground. The raking members and the tedder members are supported on a frame which includes mechanisms to raise the raking members and the tedder members from a working position to a transport position and vice versa. The frame is supported by a pair of ground engaging wheels which are disposed between the rake and the tedder members on opposite sides of the just formed swath. The tedder members are equipped with hook-shaped tines and are provided with an rpm-variator to govern the rpm of the tedder members. The working width of the rake is in a range of about three to four times wider than the working width of the tedder.

Abstract: A two-for-one twisting machine is provided and includes includes a spindle having a yarn brake. The yarn brake includes a brake housing, a brake cartridge having opposed ends, first and second brake rings disposed within the brake housing, a guide conduit and a yarn intake tube extending within the guide conduit. A brake cartridge of the yarn brake has a first tube section, a second tube section, and a third tube section disposed axially intermediate the first tube section and the second tube section. The tube sections are all arranged in resiliently biased telescoping manner within one another such that the second tube section is resiliently biased in one axial direction outwardly from the third tube section and the first tube section is resiliently biased outwardly from the third tube section in an opposite axial direction opposite to the one axial direction.

Abstract: A process for converting natural gas to a liquid includes heating the gas to a selected range of temperature to convert a fraction of the gas stream to reactive hydrocarbons, primarily ethylene or acetylene, and reacting methane and the reactive hydrocarbons in the presence of an acidic catalyst to produce a liquid, predominantly naphtha or gasoline. A portion of the incoming natural gas may be used to heat the remainder of the natural gas to the selected range of temperature. Hydrogen resulting from the reactions may be used to make electricity in a fuel cell. Alternatively, hydrogen may be burned to heat the natural gas to the selected range of temperature.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine casing includes a tip treatment ring 20 which comprises end supports 18 which support tip treatment bars 16. Each tip treatment bar 16 is mounted at its ends within the respective end supports 18 by means of damping elements 22, which isolate the bar 16 from the end supports 18. The elements 22 damp vibrations induced in the tip treatment bars 16 so inhibiting the initiation of high cycle fatigue cracking.

Abstract: A method checks the effectiveness of at least one measure (M) for heating a catalytic converter in the exhaust-gas system of an internal combustion engine. A measure (M) is activated and a signal (SA) in the exhaust-gas system of the engine is detected. The signal (SA) is evaluated to determine an index (Tact) for an increase in temperature of the catalytic converter after activating the measure (M). An expectation value (Tmodel) is determined for the increase of the temperature from operating characteristic variables of the engine and a temperature model. The index (Tact) is compared to the expectation value (Tmodel). The measure (M) is evaluated as ineffective when the index (Tact) is clearly less than the expectation value (Tmodel) with the expectation value (Tmodel) having been formed under the expectation of an effective heating measure.

Abstract: A system for determining the effectiveness of a catalytic coating on a catalytic converter in a motor vehicle. The system provides a driver or maintenance staff status of the catalytic function provided by the catalytic coating on the catalytic converter which is downstream from a heat exchanger connected to a cooling system in an engine in a motor vehicle. The catalytic converter is arranged to be heated by an air flow passing through the catalytic converter. The catalytic coating on the catalytic converter converts environmentally harmful substances in ambient air into substances which are not harmful to the environment. The motor vehicle also includes a control unit and a sensor. The sensor is connected to the control unit and is able to determine a degree of conversion of one or more environmentally harmful substances by the catalytic coating on the catalytic converter.

Abstract: A device for use with a lean-burning internal combustion engine is disclosed. The device is comprised of a means for generating an air/fuel mixture for the cylinders of the engine in order to provide at least stratified and homogenous operation, an exhaust system connected to the engine, and an NOX-adsorbing catalytic converter arranged in the exhaust system. The device additionally has a heat exchanger that is fitted upstream of the catalytic converter, wherein the heat exchanger is used to adapt the temperature of the exhaust gas from the engine to an operating state of the catalytic converter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid power station, which comprises a structure (1) or building, onto which water tanks (2) and pumps have been mounted at different levels and which have been arranged such that they pump water from the lower water tank to the upper water tank, and said structure having energy collecting devices installed in its vicinity or on its outer surface, which are arranged such that they use the pumps, and said hybrid power station comprising a water tank (5) inside the structure/building, to which the pumped water is lead, and equipment (6) inside the structure, such as a turbine, for producing electrical energy. A hybrid power station formed in accordance with the invention is formed at least partially of inclined walls, and such that the inner tank is primarily formed like a cone, or truncated cone.

Abstract: A safety device for a moving system with a drive in which a pneumatically operated piston, by linear movement in a cylinder, moves a transported object past a stationary part in at least one direction has the aim of generating a switching signal at every point of a through-opening when an obstacle is located between the moving object and the edge of the through-opening, regardless of the movement direction of the object and the geometrical construction of the through-opening. The cylinder has, at its ends, devices for measuring the pressure of the air flowing out of the cylinder in the movement direction of the piston, wherein a drop in the otherwise substantially constant pressure below a threshold value serves as a switching signal at least for switching off the system. The device is useful for safety purposes during the transport of objects, particularly when the objects form shearing edges with neighboring objects.

Abstract: A unit is attached to a refrigeration appliance, such as a freezer, or refrigerator, to alert the user of a sensed condition within the appliance that food spoilage may occur. The unit can monitor temperature within the compartment and determine how long until food spoilage occurs. The unit also can alert a user, monitoring service, or call a repairperson. The unit may be retrofit into existing appliances.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor (100) is added to air conditioner condensation pan(s) (40 and/or 50) to prevent overflow and subsequent house damage by turning off the compressor (80) and the fan (20) by means of a circuit breaker (120) and associated electronics (110).

Abstract: In a heat-pump water heater, a control unit has a heat-radiation determining means for determining a heat radiation from refrigerant to outside air in an air heat exchanger based on a water temperature flowing into a water heat exchanger, and the control unit selectively performs a general cycle operation and a bypass operation in accordance with a determination result of the heat-radiation determining means. That is, when the water temperature flowing into the water heat exchanger is lower than 60° C., the general cycle operation is performed. On the other hand, when the water temperature is equal to or higher than 60° C., the bypass operation is performed.

Abstract: In an ejector cycle system, a mixing portion of an ejector has a length in a refrigerant flow direction and an equivalent diameter, and a ratio of the length to the equivalent diameter of the mixing portion is equal to or smaller than 120. Further, a ratio of the equivalent diameter of the mixing portion to an equivalent diameter at an outlet of a nozzle of the ejector is in a range of 1.05-10. Accordingly, the ejector cycle system operates while a high ejector efficiency is maintained.

Abstract: Volatile compounds (“VCs”), especially volatile organic compounds (“VOCs”), are cryogenically removed from a process gas stream (PW) by cooling the gas stream in a condenser to condense the VC to form both liquid VC and VC ice and providing a treated process gas essentially freed of the VC but containing entrained VC ice particles, which are subsequently removed by passing the treated process gas through a filter downstream of the condenser to remove at least particles of a size greater than 50 &mgr;m. The condensation can be conducted in an indirect heat exchanger or by direct contact of the process gas with a liquid cryogen such as liquid nitrogen. It is preferred that the filter removes VC ice particles greater than 1 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A prong setting for a ring or other jewelry item is provided. The prong setting is mounted along the jewelry item and includes one or more first prong elements and one or more facing second prong elements for defining an opening therebetween in which a jewelry stone is received. Preferably, each prong element includes a wire or lip portion for selectively engaging the jewelry stone. The wire portion is specially sized and shaped to enhance the strength of the setting in holding the stone therewith. In one embodiment, the prong elements are movable with respect to one another in order to be able to selectively adjust the distance between the prong elements, and thus the size of the opening. As a result, the prong setting can accommodate jewelry stones of varying size.

Abstract: A method for the production of a glass substrate for magnetic recording mediums is herein provided and this method is characterized in that the final cleaning step is performed in two stages, in which scrubbing and dip-cleaning steps are carried out after the completion of the first cleaning stage and after the growth of needle-like projections comprising an alkali metal carbonate on the surface of the glass substrate. The method for the production of a glass substrate for magnetic recording mediums does not require the use of an expensive device having high resistance to acids. Moreover, in the glass substrate for magnetic recording mediums produced by the foregoing method, any growth of needle-like projections containing an alkali metal carbonate on the surface of the glass substrate is inhibited even during temporal storage of the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for working a glass plate includes: a transporting device for bending a glass plate in a concave shape in a cross-sectional view in a transporting direction and transporting the glass plate from a cutting section to a bend-breaking section; a cutting device for forming cut lines on the glass plate in the cutting section; and a bend-breaking device for bend-breaking the glass plate in the bend-breaking section.

Abstract: The invention relates to the technology of manufacturing mineral fibres, glass wool or rock wool and, more specifically, to the recycling of scrap in the manufacturing plants.