Abstract: On drying pasty materials, particularly sewage sludge, the material is compacted in an intermediate drying stage with a dry fraction of 60 to 80%, so that relatively low energy costs are required. The conveying of the material takes place both during pre-drying and after leaving the compactor on one or two air-permeable conveyor belts (3, 4) succeeding one another in the conveying direction and which are enclosed in a common housing (2). Thus, drying before and after compacting is performed under identical method conditions, so that it is possible to produce a simple and therefore inexpensive installation for performing the method. The finished product has advantageous characteristics with regards to density and abrasion resistance, so that dust production is avoided during subsequent handling.

Abstract: A drier 8 is disposed within a sterile chamber 14. If a vessel 10 stays within the drier for a prolonged length of time, it will be deformed under heat, and accordingly, it is taken out by a reject wheel 28 and dropped onto a discharge chute 30 which is disposed below it. A downstream portion of the discharge chute is surrounded by a second sterile chamber 36 which is separate from the first mentioned sterile chamber, and a glove 38 mounted on the wall of the chamber 36 allows an access to the discharge chute while maintaining the chute in a sterile condition. A door 40 which can be opened and closed is mounted on the wall 36a of the second chamber, and the rejected vessel is discharged through the door which is then opened. Chambers 14 and 36 are disposed within a processing chamber 4.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adsorptive ethanol drying apparatus in which microwaves are applied during the regeneration of an absorbent conducted in a continuous adsorption process for drying ethanol, so that the absorbent regeneration can be rapidly achieved at a temperature lower than that used in a conventional heating type regeneration method and within a reduced processing time, thereby being capable of allowing an efficient use of energy while improving the productivity per adsorbent mass. A method for operating the adsorptive ethanol drying apparatus is also disclosed. At an adsorption step, a vaporized ethanol azeotropic mixture is forced to pass through adsorption towers to adsorb water contained in the vaporized ethanol azeotropic mixture to an adsorbent charged in each of the adsorption towers while condensing ethanol in a storage tank.

Abstract: An improved dryer (10) and drying methods are provided which increase overall dryer efficiency by maintaining substantially constant output air stream adiabatic saturation ratio and temperature values during the course of drying, notwithstanding the occurrence of upset conditions. The dryer (10) includes a dryer body (12), an input air heater assembly (14) including an air heater (32), and a control assembly (18). The dryer body (12) has a drying zone (30), with product inputs and outputs (20, 22) as well as an input (26) for a heated air stream and an output (28) for the cooled, moisture-laden output air stream. The dryer control assembly (18) includes temperature and humidity sensors (48, 50) coupled to controllers (54, 60) and a PLC (66). The controller (54) is coupled with an exhaust fan/damper unit (46) while controller (60) is connected with a fuel valve (36).

Abstract: A quicker, safer, more reliable and more convenient way of connecting a dryer to an exhaust pipe extending from a wall therebehind is disclosed. An apparatus to facilitate connection of a dryer having an vent pipe extending from a rear side portion thereof, to an exhaust pipe extending outwardly from a wall, comprises: a pan portion having a bottom side portion having a peripheral edge portion and a lateral sidewall connected around and extending away from the peripheral edge portion and an inner side of the bottom portion; said lateral sidewall adapted to laterally and resiliently compress; and, a short tubular section having one end portion adapted to fit closely together with the dryer vent pipe, and an opposite end portion extending through and connected to the outer side of the bottom portion of the pan portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning objects having generally irregular surface features, such as reloadable photographic cameras, has a partial enclosure having opposing side walls, and a top wall joining the opposing side walls. An air ionizing element composed of an ion emitter and an air knife is arranged in the enclosure for electrostatically neutralizing the object with ions entrained in a curtain-like stream of air directed onto the object.

Abstract: Footwear, incorporating a reversible a tongue, wherein one side or the other of the tongue may be adhered for pivot to the upper central vamp portion of the shoe, to display that side during wearing of the shoe, or turned, to provide a variation in the styling of the shoe. The tongue may further contain a pouch or pocket, secured by any type of fastening device such as Velcro that allows ready access into the tongue, for deposit or removal of personal items. One or more of the surfaces of the formed pocket, in the tongue, may be formed of a transparent or clear material, to allow any personal item deposited therein to be readily viewed.

Abstract: A shoe including an upper, a lower attached to the upper, and an outsole attached to the lower is presented. In one embodiment, the outsole has a ground contacting surface which includes a first section and a second section, with the first section being formed of a first material and the second section having an outer later formed of a fabric material. The first section is free of the fabric material and is instead formed of other suitable materials, such as rubber, leather, etc. The outsoles and uppers are configured so that they can easily be mixed and matched with one another for assembly of the shoe at time after each of the individual components is separately made.

Abstract: An outsole for a shoe, especially a house slipper, has an outer layer constituted of a fabric material, and a backing layer constituted of a shape-retaining, moldable material. The fabric layer and the backing layer are molded integrally together to provide the outsole with increased slip resistance, quieter usage and increased shape retention.

Abstract: A T.P.R. shoe sole includes a foam tissue defining a plurality of apertures. The shoe sole has a top face defining a plurality of cavities. Each of the cavities has a periphery formed with a compact tissue, thereby decreasing the weight of the entire unit volume of the shoe sole, and thereby providing a better support for the shoe sole.

Abstract: A P.V.C. shoe sole includes a foam tissue defining a plurality of apertures. The shoe sole has a top face defining a plurality of cavities. Each of the cavities has a periphery formed with a compact tissue, thereby decreasing the weight of the entire unit volume of the shoe sole, and thereby providing a better support for the shoe sole.

Abstract: A climbing shoe includes an inner sole, an outer sole and a molded middle sole between the inner sole and the outer sole. The middle sole is concave in shape. The outer sole conforms to the concave shape of the middle sole. The concave shape allows the outer sole to hook on a rocky ledge. The molded middle sole provides a structure that causes the concave outer sole to substantially maintain the concave shape when pressure is applied to the outer sole.

Abstract: The present invention the present invention relates to a spike for a golf shoe, which ensures quick and rigid locking of a spike body to a nut member embedded in an outsole of the golf shoe, and allows a commercially available conventional spike body element to be threadedly locked to the nut member upon wear or breakage of the spike body, thereby lengthening a useful life of the golf shoe.

Abstract: The invention provides a stud for a shoe, light in weight, and having a long service life and excellent abrasion resistance, and a shoe using the same. The stud for the shoe comprises a central protruding member, a seating plate, and peripheral binding members. The seating plate is formed of a metallic material, and the central protruding member or the peripheral binding members are formed of RB ceramic or CRB ceramic. The shoe is fabricated by securely attaching the studs to an outsole thereof.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a mount, a housing, and a sensor. The mount is adapted to be disposed at least partially underneath a shoelace of a shoe, and the housing is adapted to be releasably attached to the mount. There is a tongue on one of the mount and the housing and a groove on the other of the mount and the housing, wherein the tongue is adapted to releasably engage the groove when the housing is attached to the mount. The apparatus further comprises a sensor, that senses motion of the shoe, disposed within the housing such that the sensor remains disposed within the housing when the housing is separated from the mount. In another embodiment, a method involves providing a housing that houses a sensor that senses motion of a shoe, and attaching a mount to an instep portion of the shoe such that at least a portion of the mount is disposed underneath at least a portion of a shoelace of the shoe.

Abstract: A snow removing machine having an electromagnetic clutch mounted to an output shaft of an engine, and a drive pulley. The electromagnetic clutch is mounted to a proximal end of the output shaft to be remotely separate from the engine. As a result, heat generated in the engine during operation thereof is not directly transferred to the electromagnet clutch whose magnetic force generated during operation is not deteriorated. The drive pulley is mounted to the output shaft at an area closer to the engine. The drive pulley has a lower weight than the electromagnet clutch, thereby mitigating load to be exerted to a part which supports the output shaft.

Abstract: A walk behind self-propelled crawler has a travel ready lever mounted to one of the left and right handlebars and adapted to be gripped by a human operator to place the electric motors in an operative condition, and a clutch control pushbutton switch disposed on the control board at a position close to the other handlebar, the clutch control pushbutton switch being adapted to be manually operated to actuate the electromagnetic clutch.

Abstract: Hitch mount for hydraulically driven snow blades or other accessories that includes a receiver plate for mounting to the vehicle chassis and a one piece plow assembly and lift frame readily removably coupled to the receiver plate, the plow assembly preferably including a blade trip frame and a snow blade removably coupled to the trip frame. A optional power operated jack can be used to raise or lower the lift frame relative to the vehicle chassis.

Abstract: A foldable ironing board installation comprises an ironing board member, hinged to a lower panel member and connected thereto by a gas spring strut. The ironing board member can occupy a generally horizontal working position and an upright stowed position where it is coplanar with the lower panel member. An iron retention housing is arranged behind the lower panel member and stowed position of the ironing board member, and includes a surface which is inclined away from the member and to provide a rest for an iron so that the latter will rest against a wall of the housing.

Abstract: A name plate assembly including a name plate and a connector which are magnetically attracted to each other, and which are disposed on opposite sides of a piece of clothing during use is provided. The connector includes a first portion which extends beyond an edge of the name plate. In use, the name plate assembly is removed from the garment by a user engaging the first portion and applying a force. The connector then acts as a lever to break the magnetic connection between the name plate and the connector, and the name plate can then be removed.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying and/or dispensing paper and like objects, such as artwork, photographs, sports cards, brochures and business cards whether such objects are made of paper, plastic or a like medium. The apparatus comprises a backer panel that serves as a background and support for a pocket panel. The pocket panel has a pocket or pockets formed between a front sheet and a back sheet. The pocket panel is attached to the backer panel by suitable means such as an adhesive, heat sealing, hook-and-loop fastening, double-sided tape or the like. The backer panel is made from a rigid or flexible, colored or translucent material of a suitable composition and may be decorated or have a texture suitable for receiving markings or captions. The pocket panel may be made from a transparent or translucent material so that a paper or like object contained within a pocket in the pocket panel is visible from outside the pocket.

Abstract: A acoustic card having a permanent magnet and a reed switch is provided. The acoustic card includes a first flap, a second flap, and a sound generator attached to second flap. The acoustic card divided by a fold into two halves, such as the first flap and the second flap, is unfolded in an opened position and folded in a closed position. The sound generator attached to the second flap includes a printed circuit board, a sound card containing a controller and a memory storing audio sound data, and a reed switch. A permanent magnet attached to the first flap does not directly contact the reed switch attached to the second flap. The permanent magnet moves away from the reed switch to be closed to activate the sound generator to produce audio sound and moves close to the reed switch to be opened to deactivate the sound generator to stop producing the audio sound.

Abstract: Knockdown license plate frame structure and decorative articles thereof. The decorative articles serve to shade the tightening members for locking the license plate frame. The license plate frame has several locating plate each having a locating hole. Each of the decorative articles is formed with pivot holes corresponding to the locating holes. The tightening members are screwed into the pivot holes of the decorative articles and the locating holes of the license plate frame to easily replaceably lock the decorative articles with the license plate frame to achieve a decorative and beautifying effect.

Abstract: Device for propelling a fluid enclosed in an enclosing body, including an enclosing body and a seat body laid under the enclosing body. The fluid and an insertion member are enclosed in the enclosing body. A cover body is disposed on the insertion member. A rotary propelling member is rotatably disposed in the insertion member. At least one magnetic member is eccentrically disposed on the propelling member. The cover body is formed with an inlet and an outlet respectively for conducting in and discharging the fluid. The insertion member inside the enclosing body is inlaid and retained in an upper opening of the seat body. A driving rotary disc driven by a power source is disposed in the seat body. At least another magnetic member is disposed on the rotary disc in the rotational path of the magnetic member of the propelling member.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a support member, a flame strip coupled to the support member, and an air source aimed at the flame strip. It is emphasized tat this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A decorative lamp includes a base holding a lamp bulb and a motor drive unit, a rotary table supported on the base around the lamp bulb and rotated by the motor drive unit, an inner lampshade fixedly mounted on the rotary table for synchronous rotation with the rotary table, the inner lamp shade having a design of underwater scene on an outside wall thereof, and a magnifying transparent outer lampshade fixedly mounted on the base and covering over the inner lampshade to magnify the dimensions of the inner lampshade.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nonrotating billboard of a rotation body which is attached on a surface of a rotation center of a vertical rotation member such as vehicle wheel, fan, etc. for thereby showing a nonrotating state of a pattern, emblem or advertisement irrespective of a rotation of a rotation body. The nonrotating billboard of a rotation body includes a housing attached to a center of a rotation body and rotated together with the rotation member, a billboard member which has a surface on which a billboard is formed and includes a weight member below the weight center and is installed in the housing based on a relative rotation method and maintains an upright state by the weight of the weight member, and a friction prevention unit for maintaining a free state of the billboard member from the housing in a nonrotating state by preventing the billboard member from being contacted with the housing.

Abstract: A portable sign, easily insertable into the ground without the aid of any tools and bilaterally stabile, composed of a display inserted into and upheld by a rectangular frame that includes two spaced apart parallel horizontal bars and two spaced apart parallel vertical bars. The sign also includes two spaced apart depending posts connected to the frame and insertable into the ground, each post has at least one symmetrical stabilizer that also facilitates insertion, thereby allowing a person to easily and quickly insert and stabilize the sign. The combined functions of stabilization and insertion facilitator into one element make the sign of lighter weight and more easily manageable.

Abstract: An interchangeable decorative applique is disclosed which can be used on a pickguard for a stringed instrument or other surface and comprises a base adapted to be affixed to the surface and a removable applique that overlies the base. The applique is attached to the base by a removable fasteners that permits the applique to be removed and replaced. The applique can have a replaceable decorative section that is sandwiched between the base and a light permeable protective cover.

Abstract: Magazine safety units for use in a self-loading firearm with a removable magazine are disclosed. An example safety unit includes a swiveling lever which is held by a spring in the movement path of a bar which is connected with a trigger. The lever engages the bar in an impeding manner. Engagement of the lever with a part of the magazine swivels the lever out of engagement with the bar.

Abstract: A one-piece trigger lock adapted to be inserted into a trigger guard of a gun is disclosed. The trigger lock has a keyway into which a key may be engaged for moving the lock mechanism between the locked and release positions. The key may be a ring-key. The key can unlock the trigger lock by pressing against the keyway.

Abstract: A safety lock for a firearm. The safety lock has an engagement member moveable between a locked and an unlocked position. The lock is secured within a gun by inserting the lock in the barrel of the gun, and then moving the engagement member from the unlocked position to the locked position. In the locked position, the engagement member engages structure in the firing chamber of the gun, thereby securing the safety device within the firearm.

Abstract: A rear sight including a sight housing and a threaded sleeve. The sight housing has a threaded male portion for insertion into the threaded sleeve. The threaded sleeve is connected to the firearm though bushings which stabilize the threaded sleeve, yet allow it to rotate. Rotation of the threaded sleeve causes the sight housing to move up or down, depending on the direction of the rotation.

Abstract: This invention refers to a novel micrometric sight, which will be naturally placed on the gun's barrel, with the possibility of changing such micrometric sight, either for an open type sight in the case of close range shots and where target precision does not require a great degree of grouping, or for a closed type sight for short range shots where very precise grouping results are required.

Abstract: A portable vertically mounted hunting blind which has two plates and straps forming a fastener which is attached to a tree trunk at any desired height by wrapping the straps around the tree trunk and connecting the straps under tension with a connecting means which maintains the tension. The plates have receptacles for the insertion of a holder, with the holder extending away from the tree trunk. A blind cover is attached to the holder and provides a user with complete camouflage as the user sits within the blind cover. The hunting blind is inexpensive, easy to manufacture, light weight, and easily transportable.

Abstract: The present invention addresses an improved method of animating a waterfowl decoy or bird sculpture. An offset support assembly supports wing and paddle appendages that attach to a rotating or oscillating output shaft extending from the body of a waterfowl decoy or bird sculpture. The rotation or oscillation of the offset wing appendages produces a visual quality replicating the flapping of wings. The paddle appendages propel a floating decoy on the surface of the water and impart a side-to-side movement. The invention can be used to impart a more realistic motion and appearance to either floating or pole-mounted decoys, or can be used with decorative sculptures or models.

Abstract: The use of epoxies, adhesives and coatings to produce fishing fly bodies and other fishing lures is an increasingly popular practice in fishing fly tying and lure making. The most critical and final step of this process is rotating the fishing fly or lure while the epoxy is curing thereby leveling the coating of the epoxy around the body. My invention is a simple wheel assembly with a spring wrapped around the circumference which is used to secure groups of individual fishing flies and lures before, during and after an epoxy or other finish is applied to them. The assembly holds the fishing flies and lures securely while they are rotating allowing the epoxy or other finish to level about the axis of the fishing flies and lure hooks. My invention allows the user to attach and remove the fishing flies and lures easily and to manipulate the position of the wheel by simply moving it with their hands.

Abstract: A fishing rod comprising an elongate rod having at least a longitudinal portion thereof formed of a superelastic material selected from the group consisting of superelastic metals and superelastic metal alloys.

Abstract: A utility support system for fishing equipment or accessory items is disclosed that includes quick-release type fasteners adapted to be secured to a fishermen's clothing at any location with most of the embodiments of the invention including a flexible strap that may include hook-and-loop type fastener material and a rigid loop or strings from which various other articles of fishing equipment or accessory items can be suspended.

Abstract: A floating bait harness for use in fishing has a substantially T-shaped main body, a weighted bottom end on the main body arranged to engage a ground surface in a body of water and a top end on the main body arranged to be coupled to a line extending from a fishing rod, the top end is arranged to be positioned in a raised relationship relative to the weighted end such that the main body rests upright in the water. At least one hook arrangement extending from at least one side of the main body; the hook arrangement is arranged to support a hook such that the hook is raised a sufficient distance from the ground surface positioning the hooks in a feeding area of the fish. The harness also includes a balancing arrangement on the harness arranged to maintain the desired position of the harness.

Abstract: A fishing lure having an outer body surrounding an inner upper buoyant portion located above a lower ballast portion and forming a linear, laterally drawn demarcation interface there between. A fishing line attachment is attached at the lure at the demarcation interface. A first lead formed by an elongated, rigid metal rod is directed toward the lower rear portion of the body and attaches to a first multi prong hook. A second lead is formed by an elongated, rigid metal rod directed toward the lower front portion of the body and attaches to a second multi prong hook. Both hooks are physically related in a manner that a resistance forced placed in the direction opposite the line will result in an urging force directing both hooks slightly inward toward each other.

Abstract: A candle composition in creamy liquid form spreads evenly to assume the shape and size of any candle-safe container. The composition hardens after being heated by a wick and subsequently cooled after the wick is extinguished.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Compositions of fuels for transportation are disclosed, particularly organic compositions which are liquid at ambient conditions. More specifically, it relates to transportation fuels comprising suitable organic distillates, as a predominant component, and limited, but essential, amounts of a component comprising oxygen-containing organic materials, which materials are typically derived from natural petroleum. Beneficially, the oxygen content of these transportation fuels is at least 0.02 percent by weight. Preferably the oxygen content these transportation fuels is in a range from about 0.2 percent to about 10 percent by weight.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conditioning fluid flowing through a conduit in which two coils (50,60) are coiled around the conduit at different locations and connected to a circuit (40) which generates square wave signals which are alternately fed to the two coils (50, 60). The frequency of the square wave is ramped repeatedly from 1.5 Khz to 60 Khz.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for applying a chemical, such as an herbicide, to a surface. A chemical reservoir stores a quantity of the chemical for dispensation to the surface. A flow control unit in fluid communication with the chemical reservoir has a conduit in which the chemical flows. The flow control unit is adjustable to control the rate of chemical flow in the conduit. At least one wiper assembly is in fluid communication with the flow control unit. The wiper assembly includes at least one wick sheet which receives and absorbs the chemical received from the flow control unit and applies the chemical to the surface via a wiping action.

Abstract: A plant water absorbing container is disclosed. A water tank is filled with water. At least one supporting frame is disposed in the water tank. A net frame slight smaller than the opening of the water tank is installed above the supporting frame. A plurality of water absorbing cottons are disposed above the net frame. Two distal ends of each water absorbing cotton are sunk in the water. Each position on the net frame for disposing the water absorbing cotton is installed with a flat culture disk. Each culture disk has a bottom which is drilled with a plurality of via holes. Each culture disk is filled with nourish material and plant. The water absorbing cotton generates a siphonage so that water permeates into the water absorbing cotton from the center portion thereof. The air for the root of a plant can flow through the hole at the lateral hole of the water tank. Therefore, plant will acquire sufficient nutriment and water.

Abstract: A wall-hanging plant pot with a water level control device which keeps suitable moisture and air supplies in the pot. The wall-hanging plant pot comprising a screw or nail, a wall hanger, a container with bottle-neck bottom having one or more projections and bottle-neck bottom, a water level control device, and a cap.

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 decorative assembly for a floral grouping comprising a floral holding material and a sheet of material. The floral holding material is constructed of a material capable of receiving a portion of a floral grouping and supporting the floral grouping. The sheet of material is extended about a portion of the floral holding material and a crimped portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the floral holding material to provide a decorative covering.

Abstract: A fuel cell system having a water source wherein the water is fed in a controlled manner to a gas stream for cooling the gas stream to a desired temperature. In a preferred embodiment, the water is atomized prior to contacting the gas stream. In a further embodiment, a packing of high surface area material is fed with the cooling water as the gas stream passes through the packing material. By utilizing water already present in the fuel cell power plant, a highly efficient method and system for controlling the temperature of gas streams and O/C ratio in the fuel cell power plant is obtained.