Abstract: A waterproof shoe includes a hollow sole pad having an intermediate opening, an inner marginal end confining the opening, an outer marginal portion spaced from and extending around the inner marginal end, and an upstanding flange which projects from the sole pad between the outer marginal portion and the inner marginal end and which loops around the opening. An upper has a bottom open end stitched to one of the outer marginal portion and the upstanding flange. A lining sleeve is disposed inside the upper and is made of a material which is impervious to water but is pervious to vapors. The lining sleeve has a bottom open end stitched to the upstanding flange of the sole pad to form a stitch seam which is then sealed by means of waterproof means. The bottomless lining sleeve and the hollow sole pad permits the lining sleeve to be secured and sealed watertight to the sole pad in a less complicated manner. Drainage is permitted at the stitch seam of the sole pad and the upper.

Abstract: A padded shoe includes a shoe upper which is adjoined to a sole. The shoe upper and the sole can have padding material disposed therein. The shoe upper includes a padded tongue, which can have an inner tongue portion and an outer tongue portion. A fastening structure, which can be tightenable to maintain the shoe on the foot of the wearer, can be disposed between the inner and outer tongue portions. Alternatively, a resilient portion can be connected to the shoe upper, whereby a portion of the shoe upper can be outwardly distended to allow insertion of the foot of the wearer. The shoe can include an engagement structure to secure the outer tongue portion to at least one of the inner tongue portion and the shoe upper.

Abstract: An expandable shoe includes a front outer assembly and a rear outer assembly. A flexible, expandable segment is attached to the front and rear outer assemblies to define a shoe outer shell. The flexible segment extends at least partially along each side of the outer shell and transversely across the bottom of the outer shell. Within the outer shell an adjustable inner assembly is disposed and attached to the front and rear outer assembly. The inner assembly has a control to adjust a dimension of the inner assembly and thereby a corresponding dimension of the shoe. In one embodiment, a visualization window provides a view port to the inner assembly. The inner assembly may include size markings visible through the view port so that a size of the adjusted shoe may be determined as shoe size is adjusted. Under another embodiment, the inner assembly includes a first sole portion, a second sole portion, and a screw drive.

Abstract: A method and device to further remove snow left by a locomotive snowplow while enhancing traction and control of a locomotive or powered car. The snow removal enhancement method and device typically include a flap arranged to extend beyond a bottom edge of a locomotive snowplow over each rail. The flap loosens and removes residual snow, as well as other debris, left by the snowplow. The device handily removes snow while being constructed of the thinnest material possible.

Abstract: A shield configuration for a snowthrowing discharge chute, which may be pivoted out of the way for clean-out purposes while reducing the opportunity for the user to extend a body part or other object into the chute while the engine is running. The apparatus makes a clean-out rod readily available to the user just after the shield has been opened.

Abstract: A snow thrower having a frame, an engine attached to the frame and having a horizontal output shaft, the output shaft having a first axis of rotation, a first rotary member rotatably fixed to the engine output shaft, and a rotating auger connected to the frame, the auger having a second axis of rotation. A second rotary member is rotatably fixed to the auger, the first and second rotary members forming a first pair of rotary members and being in selective operative engagement with each other, whereby the auger is selectively driven by the engine. An axle is connected to the frame and has a third axis of rotation, the first, second and third axes of rotation being substantially parallel. A third rotary member in is operative engagement with the axle, and a pair of ground-engaging wheels is attached to the axle.

Abstract: In a laser beam detecting device for a construction machine, a beam sensor is installed above a leveling implement of the construction machine, a laser beam is detected by the beam sensor, and information based on the beam detection is displayed on a display. A plurality of reference positions are established in a range in which the beam sensor detects the laser beam. One of the reference positions is made a standard position, while the other reference positions are made offset positions.

Abstract: A quick coupler for an excavator comprises a cylinder tube fixed to each lower end of an excavator arm and a link, and having fixing bolt holes formed on one side thereof; a piston housing fitted into the cylinder tube to be fixed by fixing bolts inserted into the fixing bolt holes, and joined with a rod cover at both ends thereof, respectively; a pair of pistons inserted into each side of the piston housing with a spring interposed therebetween, each piston having a mechanical seal formed at its inner end; a pair of rod covers inserted between an outer circumference of the piston and an inner circumference of the piston housing on each side of the piston housing for preventing leakage of hydraulic fluid; and a pair of coupler pins inserted between an outer circumference of the piston housing and an inner circumference of the cylinder tube on each side of the cylinder tube, each coupler pin formed in a cap-shape.

Abstract: A boom body (23) comprises a boom front member (20), a boom intermediate member (22) and a boom rear member (21). An arm-connection bracket (24) is jointed to the boom front member (20) and a vehicle body-mounting bracket (25) is jointed to the boom rear member (21), thereby forming a boom. With this structure, a cross section of the boom body (23) is less prone to be deformed and therefore, the plate thickness can be reduced, the rigidity of the boom body (23) can be increased without mounting a cross section restraint material and the cross section of the boom is not deformed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the boom in weight.

Abstract: A marking element is proposed for marking timber, especially tree trunks, having a tag-like marking element (9) with at least one fastening element (1, 12) disposed on it for fastening the marking element (10) to the timber to be marked. To provide the marking, the marking element furthermore has a transponder (14) incorporating a data storage for the wireless transmission of data. This permits the wireless storing and reading of a multitude of data without requiring visual contact.

Abstract: A liquid decoration container comprises an exhibition part, and a fitting part. The exhibition part is formed by way of blowing a hollow blank to constitute a hollow casing with a desirable shape and the hollow casing extends downward a cylindrical casing with an outer thread section. The fitting part is a base with an upper opening corresponding to the cylindrical casing and the upper opening provides an inner thread section. A ring plate is arranged to extend inward from an inner wall under the upper opening in the fitting part. The liquid is filled in the exhibition part and a doll is selectively fixed to or arranged on the ring plate. The cylindrical casing can engage with the upper opening by way of the outer thread section fastening to the inner thread section and a tight sealing can be performed as soon as a lower rim of the cylindrical casing touches the ring plate.

Abstract: A lenticular fireplace and methods for simulating a fire within a fireplace are disclosed. In one respect, a fire is simulated with a lenticular screen. The lenticular screen includes a lenticular lens layer and an image layer, wherein the image layer comprises one or more images of a fire. A device is coupled to the lenticular screen that moves the lenticular screen to alter a viewed image of the fire. In another respect, the lenticular screen is disposed within a fireplace enclosure. In another respect, a fireplace includes a convertible heated glass apparatus. The apparatus is used in a front wall of an enclosure. The front wall includes an electrically conductive panel coupled to a phase change material. Electrical terminals are operatively connected to the electrically conductive panel for applying a voltage across the electrically conductive panel to heat the front wall and convert the phase change material from an opaque solid to a less opaque liquid to allow viewing through the front wall.

Abstract: A non-integral frame apparatus provides, in combination, plural separate lengths of a frame structure mounted onto a mirror or similar object. Each of the lengths of the frame structure provide an outwardly facing surface with a generally decorative design, and an inwardly facing planar surface. The inwardly facing surfaces of the lengths of the frame structure provide mounting engagement devices such that the lengths of frame structure are fixed onto the mirror in an end-to-end, closed-figure arrangement without mutual engagement. This enables the mirror to appear as if framed by an integral frame assembly without suffering the drawbacks of making, handling and using such.

Abstract: An improved banner holder and method for exchangeable signs, flags, and other banners with extreme structural simplicity and a minimum moving parts. The banner holder comprises a support, at least one mounting members, an interchangeable brace to hold the banner, and an apparatus to automatically reduce wind loads on the banner. The banner is mounted on a brace. The brace engages one or more unique mounting members in such fashion as to make the brace, and the banner mounted on it, easily mountable, removable, and replaceable. The invention further provides an apparatus to protect the banner and banner holder from wind damage by automatically reducing the effective area of a banner in response to wind loading.

Abstract: A product display package for retaining product is provided with a display card having a reinforced hanger hole that is resistant to tear. The display card includes a main body including a front surface, a rear surface and an upper edge. The display card has a closed loop hanger hole formed in the main body that is adapted to receive a hanger to hang the display card for display. A container having a housing defining a compartment to house product is supported by the display card. The display card has a tape reinforcement layer adhered to the main body in a region adjacent to the hanger hole to enhance the strength of the display card between the hanger hole and the upper edge of the main body of the display card.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for reducing the criminal usefulness of a dischargeable hand weapon used for defense by limiting its dichargeability to the area where it is kept for defense, by disclosing its location, and by disclosing that its imminent use is contemplated.

Abstract: An unauthorized user prevention device and method prevents unauthorized users from operating a devices such as firearms or other types of weapons, and can also prevent access as an anti-theft device for vehicles and doors to buildings. A users initially grips a handle containing pressure sensors, and a pressure signature profile is stored that is based on hand position of the user's handgrip on the particular device as indicated by a change in pressure, pressure as a function of position on the particular device; and pressure as a function of time. A comparator compiles the pressure signature profile and compares it with profiles is storage to determined whether a match exists. Upon finding a match, a control unit releases an interlocking unit to enable the user to operate the device because he/she is authorized.

Abstract: A firearm lock to prevent the firing of a firearm having a barrel comprising a rod having distal and proximal ends configured and constructed to extend into the barrel of a firearm and lock means on the distal end of the rod for preventing the removal of the rod from the barrel is disclosed.

Abstract: A firearm locking device for blocking the chamber of a firearm rendering it impossible to load a live cartridge into the chamber. The firearm locking device comprises a cylindrical body, having the size and shape of the chamber for the firearm. The firearm locking device has an integral means for diametrical expansion providing a locking interference fit in the chamber and a key activated means for retracting said diametrical expansion to allow removal of the firearm locking device from the chamber. The firearm locking device does not have the external circumferential grooves or ridges required for extraction from the chamber by the extraction mechanism of the firearm thus preventing removal from the chamber except with a key.

Abstract: This invention concerns a supplementary safety device in the form of a false cartridge to be inserted into the chamber of a light firearm barrel, including a radially expandable portion controlled by a lock operated by a specific key for locking/unlocking it in the barrel in which it is housed, so it may be removed only voluntarily.

Abstract: A finger grip enhancer for mounting on a selected location on firearms, hand tools and other items having handles or grips for providing an improved finger gripping surface. The grip enhancer can comprise flexible or rigid materials having a high coefficient of friction for an improved gripping surface. The grip enhancer includes a finger grip body, having a top, a bottom and a back surface. The back surface is preferably adapted for receiving an adhesive thereon and attaching the grip enhancer on the selected location on the firearm or the hand tool The finger grip body also includes an ergonomic shaped front finger surface having a top portion tapered downwardly and outwardly into a lower knob portion. The lower knob portion is adapted for receiving a portion of the bottom of a finger and the top of an adjacent finger of the user and preventing slippage thereon.

Abstract: An artificial fishing lure of resilient material having a body portion and a flexible, elongate tail. The tail possesses a curved configuration, being attached to the aft end of the body portion. The tail is thin and essentially flat when the tail is in a curved configuration, but it assumes a relatively straight configuration when the lure is moved through the water. A plurality of tassels are affixed in a spaced relationship along a long edge of the tail, with the tassels being relatively flexible and adapted to move with the tail at the time the tail undertakes a highly desirable undulating motion. The tassels cause the tail to give off vibrations attractive to fish. This lure is ideal for use when fishing for Large Mouth and Small Mouth Bass, but it is also quite suitable for use with species such as Stripe Bass and Wall Eye.

Abstract: A device for bringing a fishing hook attached to a line out to the side of a boat during trolling, comprising an elongated hull (5), a keel (6) and a line (7) with a release device (8), where the release device is arranged to hold the line during trolling and release the line when a fish bites on the hook.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for eradicating pests through the use of heat. The apparatus has a chamber with a ceiling plenum, a floor plenum and a perforated floor for controlling the flow of air throughout the chamber.

Abstract: A process for producing a diesel fuel stock from bitumen uses steam and a hydroisomerized diesel fraction produced by a gas conversion process, to respectively stimulate the bitumen production and increase the cetane number of a hydrotreated diesel fuel fraction produced by upgrading the bitumen, to form a diesel stock. The diesel stock is used for blending and forming diesel fuel.

Abstract: A method of assessing a state of a plant is provided. The method includes: (a) collecting data pertaining to at least one plant related parameter over a predetermined time period; and (b) analyzing the data collected over the predetermined time period to thereby identify a trend in the data over at least a portion of the predetermined time period, the trend being indicative of the state of the plant.

Abstract: The present invention is to an improvement in accoutrements for a patio deck. In particular, the present invention provides a corner pot holder. The corner pot holder is of unitary construction. Unitary construction allows the corner pot holder may be stamped from a piece of metal or may be molded from plastic. The corner pot holder permits the flower pots held by the corner pot holder to drain thus avoiding stagnant water.

Abstract: A sleeve used to wrap items such as potted plants or comestibles. The sleeve has a closed curved bottom. The sleeve may also have an expansion element such as a gusset, pleats, random folds or elastic material for enabling the lower portion of the sleeve to conform to the outer and bottom surfaces of the pot to provide a decorative cover about the pot. The sleeve optionally has a detachable upper portion.

Abstract: A flower pot cover disposable about a flower pot. The flower pot includes a preformed base sized to contain the flower pot and has an upper end, a lower end, an outer peripheral surface and a pot opening formed through the upper end thereof providing access to a pot receiving space forming an inner peripheral surface of the base. The flower pot cover formed of at least two sheets of material having a two-dimensional printed pattern thereon, the printed pattern having shaded and highlighted areas to provide the printed pattern with a three dimensional appearance produced by the shaded and highlighted areas of the printed pattern.

Abstract: A sleeve comprising a lower portion preferably having a base portion and a skirt portion for packaging a floral grouping or plant. The sleeve may have a protective upper portion which can be detached from the lower portion of the sleeve once the protective function of the upper portion has been completed. The sleeve has one or a plurality of horizontally or diagonally positioned expansion elements for allowing expansion of the base portion and/or skirt portion.

Abstract: A guide device for a folding door consisting of a carriage which is displaceably guided at a web part of a section rail and which surrounds the web part with rollers or slides. So that the guide device can easily be put into its longitudinally displaceable connection with the web part of the section rail from the side, the rear roller disposed behind the web part relative to the door is supported at an arm which is in pivoted connection with the carriage and which can be pivoted between an assembly position where it is pivoted out and a position of use where it is pivoted in, in which the rear roller contacts or almost contacts the front side of the web part.

Abstract: A sound-absorbing shield device for use in a vehicle door comprises a sheet of sound-absorbing material and a thin sheet of polymer film. A first face of the polymer film is attached to the sound absorbing material and a plurality of apertures extending through the polymer film from the first face thereof to a second face thereof opposite the first face. Each aperture is bounded by a hollow protrusion extending from the second film face, whereby the apertures and protrusions cooperate to form a barrier against moisture or other environmental contamination while admitting acoustic energy therethrough into the sound absorbing material.

Abstract: The present invention provides abrasive articles having projections attached to a major surface thereof, and methods of making such articles. The articles include (1) a reaction product of components that include (a) an epoxy-functional material, (b) at least one of a cyclic anhydride or a diacid derived therefrom; and/or (2) a polymeric material preparable by combining at least (a) an epoxy-functional material, and (b) at least one of a cyclic anhydride or a diacid derived therefrom.

Abstract: A polishing slurry for chemical-mechanical polishing, containing 5 to 50% by weight of a colloidal silica abrasive, and from about 0.1 to about 10% by weight of a quaternary ammonium salt which is represented by the formula R4N+X−, where R may be identical or different and is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl and an ester group, and X is hydroxyl or halogen, is distinguished by a high polishing rate.

Abstract: A fiberglass railcar roof that includes a fiberglass surface with a central portion and a peripheral portion adapted to be joined to the upper edge region of a railcar. In some embodiments, the roof includes plural elongate fiberglass ribs extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of the fiberglass surface. In some embodiments, the roof is adapted for use on refrigerated, high cube and cryogenic railcars. Methods for forming the invented roofs and roof panels are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wall structure includes at least two studs that are designed to support panels front and back, and end caps or raceway channel defining members on the leading and trailing edges of the panel wall structure. Each of the studs includes sets of oppositely arranged flanges that in turn cooperate with marginal edges of both the panels and the raceway defining members. Cross bracing is provided to allow wiring either within the enclosed space between the panels, or more preferably in the wireways defined in the raceway members so that the power and data communication conductors can be isolated from one another. The feature of the panel structure is that the panels themselves can support light fixtures or other lightweight electrical devices, and heavier electrical devices or units can be accommodated from the cross bracing or from shelves secured to the cross bracing and to the studs.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention employ a modular room including a plurality of modular room components (e.g., anchor assemblies, upright assemblies, etc.). These anchor assemblies and upright assemblies can take different forms permitting assembly of a modular room or modular structure in different manners, and in some cases provide for interchangeable interior and exterior wall panels and components. In some embodiments, a bracket assembly is coupled to an substantially vertical elongated upright for improved strength and stability. Preferably, the anchor assembly has a base plate with at least one edge at an angle with respect to the rest of the base plate for additional strength. If desired, the vertical position of the upright with respect to the base plate can be adjusted. In some embodiments, one or more overhead trusses are used to stabilize the walls of a modular room.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses an amusement maze. The maze of the present invention 10 can be located indoors and consists of a plurality of pivotal wall panels 16 whereby each panel may pivot to open a passage way or close a passage way creating a new maze pattern. Each wall panel unit consists of two pivotal panels 16 mounted to a pillar 18. Each unit is computer controlled and can flip the panels 16 back and forth by means of a servomotor 40 mounted to each pillar 18. When a plurality of units are joined together, they create cells 22. The cells 22 create the maze. Located within each cell 22 is a motion sensor 51, a voice-activated panic alarm 52, a hand-activated panic button 48 and direction lights 20 that may lead a player 12 to the nearest exit 24. All are safety features linked to the main monitor 62 and computer 60. The main computer 60 is located in a building out side of the maze in the attendant's room 58.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting adjacent panels includes a first panel and a second panel. Each panel has a connectable edge adapted for connection to a connectable edge of an adjacent panel. At least one first panel interface is disposed on the first panel and at least one second panel interface is disposed on the second panel. Each panel interface is positioned on a surface of the respective panel near the respective connectable edge. First and second interlocking elements are disposed on the respective connectable edges of the panels. The apparatus also includes at least one connector with a base and first and second engaging parts projecting from the base. To connect the panels, the interlocking elements of the connectable edges are interlocked with one another. The connector is mounted to the first and second panels such that the base traverses the connectable edges.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new type of module in which the floor of the module is integral with the ceiling placement upon the module below it. This invention also provides utilization of temperature top protection a module during shipment. This invention also relates to a construction method where the stabilizing structure for the building including stairs and hallways constructed first, and the module are constructed therein.

Abstract: Disclosed are a height-adjustable concrete mold supporting system and a method for constructing concrete floors and concrete walls, by which a concrete building can be easily and precisely constructed with enhanced cost-effectiveness. The system has a bottom bracket detachably disposed on a base member. First and second screw shafts are vertically assembled with the bracket. The first and the second screw shafts are movably inserted into first and second height adjusting tubes. A top mounting board is supported by the first and the second height adjusting tubes. The first and the second height adjusting tubes are fixed to the first and the second screw shafts so as to determine an adjusted space between the bracket and the mounting board.

Abstract: A joint for the prefabricated concrete blocks of the quake-resistant pier developed for connecting the prefabricated reinforced concrete blocks employed in the non-plastic hinge zone of the earthquake-resistant reinforced concrete pier comprises mainly an upper prefabricated reinforced concrete block and a lower prefabricated reinforced concrete block, wherein a layer of resin binder is applied between the engaging concave and the engaging convex of the prefabricated reinforced concrete blocks, so as to connect the two prefabricated reinforced concrete blocks to withstand shear stress applied on the pier, and the two prefabricated reinforced concrete blocks are also connected firmly by pre-stressed keys to withstand bending stress applied on the pier. By connecting mechanisms, the present way of prefabricated construction can achieve the same earthquake-resistant capability as the traditional in situ construction.

Abstract: My “Clean-Out” consists of one length of solid 4-inch PVC pipe, one 4-inch PVC T-fitting and one 4-inch solid PVC cap. The length of the solid 4-inch PVC pipe is determined by the depth of the drainage system of the building.

Abstract: A removable window safety barrier includes two vertical frame members, two horizontal frame members, and additional horizontal and vertical members attached to the horizontal and vertical frame members. The barrier includes at each end of the vertical frame members flanges having holes of suitable size and shape to engage and be supported by pins affixed to the sides of a window with two such pins pointing upwardly from the bottom of the window, and two such pins facing downwardly from the top of the window.

Abstract: A containment apparatus for removal of a window/window frame from within the wall of a building. The containment apparatus has a rigid member with a peripheral gasket. An adjustable supporting member, which is connected to the rigid member, extends angularly to the ceiling above the rigid member. The bottom end of the rigid member is braced to secure the rigid member in place.

Abstract: A door assembly includes a door frame having a horizontal header along the top thereof. A firestop extends downwardly from the header, the firestop has a plurality of sides defining a channel therein. The firestop has an at least partially open side to allow the channel to be open and receive a closer assembly. The is rotatably mounted within the door frame. A door closer assembly is coupled to the door. The door closer assembly has a biasing assembly and an arm having a first end and a second end. The first end is rotatably coupled to the biasing assembly and is slidably coupled to the channel.

Abstract: A modular wall panel for manufacturing an exterior wall by abutting a plurality of said wall panels in side to side alignment is disclosed. Each of said wall panels consists of a substantially flat rectangular insulating foam core having first and second opposite surfaces, first and second opposite side edges, a width defined by the opposite side edges, opposite top and bottom edges, and a length defined by the top and bottom edges. The panel also has at least one elongated longitudinal support stud mounted to the foam core between the first and second side edges. The longitudinal stud extends substantially the length of the foam core between the top and bottom edges, and extends parallel to the side edges. The panel also has at least one elongated transverse support stud mounted to the foam core substantially perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal support stud, said transverse support stud extending between the opposite side edges.

Abstract: A finish trim for use in dry wall construction having an elongated core that is configured with a flange having outwardly facing surfaces to which is affixed a pre-shrunk covering strip.

Abstract: A corner assembly for covering a junction between adjacent walls includes first and second members, each formed from an extruded composite material comprising wood fiber and polyethylene resin. The first member includes a tongue extending from one end thereof. The second member includes a groove formed in one side thereof, such that when the tongue is received within the groove, the first side of the first member and the first end of the second member are disposed generally coplanar.

Abstract: The stabilization system includes a foundation platform (16) that supports a pier (18), with the pier in turn supporting the joists (12) of a premanufactured building structure (10). Cleat walls (25-28) at the edges of the central body portion of the foundation platform extend into the ground. Struts (46, 47) are sloped upwardly from the foundation platform for connection to an adjacent joist. The weight of the building structure and the cleat walls prevent the foundation platform from horizontal movement. Thus, horizontal movement of the building structure is resisted without the application of horizontal forces to the pier.