Abstract: An article of footwear with a dynamically-controlled cushioning system is disclosed. The cushioning system includes a sealed, fluid-filled bladder formed with a plurality of separate cushioning chambers, and a control system. The control system, which includes a CPU, pressure sensors and valves, controls fluid communication between the chambers to dynamically adjust the pressure in the cushioning chambers for various conditions such as the activity that the footwear is used in, the weight of the individual and the individual's running style. Certain adjustments can be made while the footwear is in use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shoe sole comprising an outer sole 1F, 1B, a midsole 2 and a reinforcement device 4 made of a resin plate. The reinforcement device 4 is firmly secured to the underside of an arch portion 2M of the midsole 2. At a medial side 11 and a lateral side 10 of the foot, the reinforcement device 4 is shaped like an arch between separated outer sole parts 1F and 1B. A medial foot portion 43 of the reinforcement device 4 is formed to have a higher hardness than a lateral foot portion 40 of the reinforcement device 4. This allows the reinforcement device 4 to have a greater flexural rigidity in its medial foot portion 43 than in its lateral foot portion 40.

Abstract: A foot orthotic (10) that more effectively supports and stabilizes a person's foot (14) and improves the person's balance so as to reduce tripping and falling. The orthotic device (10) includes several layers of material that are bonded together to cooperatively provide the optimum amount of support and stabilization for different areas of the wearer's foot (14). The orthotic (10) includes a bottom layer (16) that extends substantially the entire length of the wearer's foot (14) and that is placed over the insole of the wearer's footwear; a top layer (20) that also extends substantially the length of the wearer's foot and that receives and supports the plantar portion of the foot; and an intermediate layer (18) that is bonded between the bottom layer and the top layer. The orthotic (10) is configured to elevate the toes of the wearer and thereby enhance balance stabilization.

Abstract: Footwear includes an upper disconnected from the sole on at least a portion of one lateral side of the sole to enable a foot to enter the footwear laterally through a side gap. The foot may be held in place, in part, with a resilient foot holder extending over the top of the foot. A lateral motion of the foot may overcome the force of the foot holder enabling hands-free removal of the footwear.

Abstract: In a device for activating a lace-up traction device for a shoe (1), comprising a slider (22) and a hingeably held tension lever (9) which can be pushed down when the shoe (1) is put on, said tension lever (9) in the pushed-down state being lockable to the slider (22) and being unlockable by pushing the slider (22) forward; said slider (22) comprising a guide (37) for a rocker (39), which rocker (39) elsewhere is guided in a further longitudinal guide (26) and which rocker (39) is pre-tensioned in the direction of hingeing forward and upward by means of a spring arrangement (7), a simple and clear design as well as good functional safety are achieved in that the guide (37) comprises two branches (37a, 37b) arranged at an angle in relation to each other;

Abstract: Device for clamping together two parts of a sports article, including:

Abstract: A shoe including an upper, a lower (insole) 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 material other than leather, rubber or plastic. The first section can be formed of any number of materials, such as rubber, leather, etc. The first and second sections of the outsole are formed in an injection molding processes that uses one or more molds.

Abstract: A backhoe unit detachably attached to a backhoe mounting frame disposed on a tractor body rearwardly of a driver's seat. The backhoe unit includes a base having engaging portions for connection to the backhoe mounting frame, a driver's footrest and a control column disposed on the base, a vertical swing axis supported by the base, a boom bracket supported to be swingable about the vertical swing axis, and a boom assembly attached to the boom bracket. The boom bracket is swung horizontally by a single swing cylinder having one end thereof connected to the base through a first cylinder connecting portion, and the other end connected to the boom bracket through a second cylinder connecting portion. The swing cylinder is disposed in a lateral position of the base.

Abstract: A unitary, elongated strip of static cling material such that a portion of the inner and outer surface engage to from a loop. Various indicia may be printed by known methods provided that a smooth overlapping surface is maintained. The outer surface may be coated with a sulfur-based ink, producing a glow-in-the-dark feature. Materials used may be hypoallergenic and FDA approved.

Abstract: The present invention comprises of an enclosure with an opening wherein a 3-dimentional translucent picture is attached to said opening. Multiple pieces of polarized film are attached behind various portions of the 3-dimentional translucent picture. The enclosure contains a light source, a polarized film, and means for moving said polarized film within the enclosure. The 3-dimentional translucent picture will appear to have motion when the polarized film is moved relative to the pieces of polarized film attached behind the 3-dimentional translucent picture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a neon sign device having a plain shape. The neon sign device having the plain shape according to the present invention comprises an upper glass sheet having electric discharge electrodes installed on its bottom surface; and a lower glass sheet attached closely to the bottom surface of the upper glass sheet and having an electric discharge space where an advertisement pattern to be represented is formed into a cavity. The neon sign device is generally made by bonding the upper and lower glass sheets after forming the electric discharge electrodes and the cavity in the upper and lower glass sheets, respectively. A fluorescent layer is also formed inside the cavity, and inert electric discharge gas is filled inside the cavity. For example, the cavity is formed by engraving it on a portion of a top surface of the lower glass sheet.

Abstract: The unique aspect of this invention is the utilization of numbers and letters as lighting to be placed outdoors so as to distinguish the property it is placed in front of. Each individual lighting unit would have a hollow plastic number or letter that would illuminate from an internal source so as to be visible at night and these units could be arranged together and placed outdoors to display street address numbers or whatever the individual cared to create to distinguish their property.

Abstract: The apparatus is an adjustable front sighting system for a shotgun. Interchangeable rings, each with a sight point mounted at a different height above the rings, are slipped over the discharge end of a tube attached to the muzzle of a shotgun and clamped in place by a threaded nut. The shotgun's elevation can thus be adjusted by interchanging rings with sight points at differing heights, and windage can be adjusted by rotating any installed ring in an arc to the left or right.

Abstract: Apparatus for freeing a lure and its hook or hooks from weeds or other obstructions includes a sleeve to which are secured chain elements. A line is also secured to the sleeve and the line extends to a reel. A slit extends along the sleeve for receiving the fishing line secured to the lure and hooks. The sleeve is lowered on the fishing line and is moved or “bounced” up and down on the fishing line to free the lure and hooks. The movement of the chain elements against the weeds or other obstruction frees the lure and its hook or hooks.

Abstract: A device for dispensing an attractant to lure fish is disclosed. This device is activated by the fisherman incidental to his trolling for fish. The device of this invention comprises a resealable chamber within a hollow body. The chamber provides for containment of fish attractant in the form of a liquid that can be dispensed therefrom only by abrupt movement of the device in response to fisherman directed movement of a line attached to the device.

Abstract: A mousetrap comprising a base with a first end and a second end located opposite to the first end. A spring is mounted to the base, and is capable of being biased for movement toward the first end of the base. A collar extends from the spring, such that when the mousetrap is loaded by moving the collar to the second end of the base. A pin having a fixed end and a free end is mounted to the base, wherein the fixed end of the base is mounted to the base proximate to the second end of the base. A cage is mounted to the base proximate to the first end of said base. The cage is capable of retaining the bait. A catch is mounted to the cage and is capable of retaining the free end of the pin when the mousetrap is loaded, and wherein the mousetrap is triggered by the release of the free end of the pin from the catch.

Abstract: Composition and method of making a combustible organic mixture used to generate a colorful flame that is environmentally safe and non toxic. In accordance with the invention there is provided a fuel blend mixture of hydrocarbons, alcohols, glycols or glycol ethers with a color flame generator in the form of an organometallic complex such as acetyl acetonate complexes of alkaline, alkaline earth or transition metals such as lithium, cesium, sodium, and copper acetyl acetonate complexes. The homogenous material can be used as a fuel in various types of candles and lantern devices to generate flames of red, yellow, blue, green or purple color and variations thereof depending on the organometallic complex that is used.

Abstract: A fuel additive composition for improving the delivery of friction modifier to the lubricant oil of an internal combustion engine comprising (a) a friction modifying amount of a reaction product of at least one natural or synthetic oil and at least one alkanolamine; and, (b) at least one fuel detergent is provided. Also provided is a fuel composition containing the fuel additive composition and a method for operating an engine employing the fuel composition therefor.

Abstract: Process for treating coal to enhance its rank, wherein the temperature of the material is gradually increased in a controlled set of atmospheres, to allow for the reduction of surface and inherent moisture and the controlled reduction of volatile matter while maintaining the coal's natural structural integrity. The process reduces the time, capitalization, and production costs required to produce coal of enhanced rank, thus substantially increasing the cost effectiveness and production rate over prior processes.

Abstract: Fuel such as coal is combusted in a staged combustion device in a method comprising feeding into a first combustion stage of said furnace said fuel and gaseous oxidant containing more than 21 vol. % oxygen, and preferably 21.8 to 29 vol. % oxygen, at a stoichiometric ratio below that which, if the stage were operated with air as the only oxidant, would produce the same amount of NOx, and combusting said fuel with said gaseous oxidant in said combustion stage to produce combustion products and unburned fuel.

Abstract: To provide an illuminator for plant growth that can illuminate a plant intermittently (pulse illumination) or continuously to cause an effect similar to sunbeam spot phenomenon, thereby accelerating photosynthetic reaction.

Abstract: A liner, blank or sheet (1,11,12,21,30,70) of compressed sphagnum moss (54) having a moisture content such that the liner, blank or sheet is pliable to the extent that it is able to be folded and unfolded with minimal or no degradation to the fiber integrity, wherein the liner, blank or sheet of compressed sphagnum moss is provided with means to minimise moisture loss.

Abstract: Greenhouse provided with glass panes, at least the inner side of the said panes being provided with a coating which prevents deposits on and/or damage to the said pane. To prevent condensation which forms against the pane from forming drops, it is proposed for the coating to be of hydrophilic design. A process which allows this to be achieved is based on ordinary glass which is provided with a coating which prevents deposits on and/or damage to the said pane and involves subjecting this coating to an etching treatment. Panes can be entered in the treatment assembly where several stations are provided to apply both the coating preventing deposits and or damage and to realise the etching treatment.

Abstract: A flexible plant protecting cover including a cover member adapted for enclosing a selected plant. The cover member has a waterproof outer layer and a cotton inner layer. The cover member has an upper edge, a lower edge, and opposed side edges. The upper edge is folded over to form an interior chamber having opposed open ends. The interior chamber has a pull string disposed therein. The pull string has opposed free ends extending outwardly of the opposed open ends of the interior chamber. The opposed side edges each have corresponding couplers. The cover member is wrapped around the selected plant with the opposed side edges engaged via the couplers. The opposed free ends of the pull string are pulled together and tied to form a significantly closed upper end around the selected plant.

Abstract: A floral arranging device for supporting plant stems in a floral arrangement in transit from florist to customer, as well as in a floral vase. In a first embodiment, three sets of parallel, elastic bands are looped across and around a substantially annular ring. The three sets are oriented at angles with respect to each other, thereby defining a plurality of interstices between the bands through which plant stems may be inserted and grasped by the bands at two spaced-apart locations along the lengths of the stems. In a second embodiment, a fourth set of parallel, elastic bands is added, thereby defining additional interstices. In a third embodiment, an annular enclosure surrounds the second embodiment, and a fifth set of parallel elastic bands are looped across, around, and under the enclosure. In a fourth embodiment, four sets of parallel, elastic bands are looped across, over, and under four, sequentially aligned, coaxial rings.

Abstract: In a method of large scale afforestation two types of firebreak (5, 7) are employed. Firebreaks (5) of a first type are placed in a regular grid pattern and with a ground configuration which in terms of colour is adapted to the surroundings, whereas firebreaks (7) of a second type are laid out with an irregular development, which furthermore contrast in colour and are provided with a different width. Further, fencing in in parcels is expedient.

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 a plurality of horizontally and diagonally positioned expansion elements for allowing expansion of the base portion and/or skirt portion.

Abstract: A houseplant maintenance device and methods for receiving and maintaining a potted plant. The device having a base, a water reservoir, at least one wick element, a wick holder. The wick element draws moisture or nutrients from within the reservoir and delivers it to the soil in the pot. Adjusting the wick element in the wick holder regulates the rates of moisture conductance. The wick elements include a water-impervious covering around a middle portion thereof. The base of the device includes a gasket, a support ring, and a raised lip as well as features that facilitate methods for displaying the plant, such as hanging or aligning the device. Additionally, a device and method for addition of nutrient cations to a containerized houseplant from nutrient solids of relatively low aqueous solubility. The nutrient solids dissociate in the aqueous reservoir. A wick element communicates between the aqueous reservoir and the soil of the potted plant.

Abstract: A fountain comprises a planter having a hollow interior for storing a quantity of water, a pump for pumping the quantity of water within the planter, a water discharge device connected to the pump for discharging the quantity of water, and a second planter positioned on an exterior surface of the planter, the second planter receiving a portion of the quantity of water being discharged from the water discharge device.

Abstract: An arrangement for generating hydrogen gas utilizes differential pressure to transport fuel and spent fuel components without requiring an electrically powered fuel delivery pump.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing a gas mixture containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide, and optionally nitrogen, from at least a hydrocarbon such as methane, propane, butane or LPG or natural gas, which consists in performing a partial catalytic oxidation (1) of one or several hydrocarbons, at a temperature of 500° C., at a pressure of 3 to 20 bars, in the pre of oxygen or a gas containing oxygen, such as air, to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide; then in recuperating the gas mixture which can subsequently be purified or separated, by pressure swing adsorption, temperature swing adsorption of by permeation (3), to produce hydrogen having a purity of at least 80% and a residue gas capable of supplying a cogeneration unit In another embodiment, the gas mixture can subsequently be purified of its water vapour impurities and carbon dioxide to obtain a thermal treatment atmosphere containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide and nitrogen.

Abstract: An apparatus for shifting a gate from a closed position to an open position on emergency from loss of power to a motive means. The apparatus generally comprises a housing along with a motive means, such as an electric motor, operatively associated with the housing. A drive member is operatively connected to the motive means and is capable of being connected to a gate for causing rotating movement of the gate. Typically the drive member is connected to the motive means by means of a drive shaft, which extends from the housing. The apparatus comprises a manually operable release member, which is operatively connected to a drive plate. The release member functions as part of an override means and is capable of being sheared on application of force, thereby releasing the drive plate from a base plate of the motive means operatively disconnecting the drive member from the motive means, and more particularly disconnecting the drive member from the drive shaft.

Abstract: A self-closing safety gate hinge comprises a bracket, a bottom seat, a top seat and a hinge pin. The bracket is attached to a top of a gate post. The bottom seat is attached to one side of the bracket and an inclined top surface is cambered on the bottom seat. A through hole is defined vertically through the bottom seat. The top seat has an inclined bottom surface corresponding to the inclined top surface and is attached to one side of a gate at top. A stepped through hole is defined vertically through the top seat. The hinge pin is mounted through a spring and the through holes and is held in place by a C-clip.

Abstract: An improved shutter and frame system for reducing light passing through and around a shutter. The system incorporates improved shutter manufacturing and a light blocking element along the sides of the louvers to block light from passing between the shutter frame and the louvers. The shutter utilizes a louver which never extends beyond the plane of the rear face of the shutter frame.

Abstract: A weather strip includes a trim body having a generally U-shaped cross section, a hollow seal portion that protrudes from an outside surface of the trim body, and a holding lip formed on the trim body so as to extend from an inside surface of the trim body toward the inside of the trim body. The weather strip is mounted on the vehicle body such that the trim body is held by a flange provided at a periphery of a door opening of a motor vehicle. The weather strip is formed by extrusion molding such that the length of the holding lip is changed in a plurality of steps in accordance with the thickness of the flange.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle door, wherein a drive unit for raising and lowering a glass plate is constructed so that a plurality of pulleys across which wires are laid are provided at upper and lower sides of a base panel, the glass plate is moved up and down by driving the wires, the glass plate is prevented from moving in a vehicle inward direction when the door is closed, wire fixing portions are prevented from being damaged by great upward and downward stroke movements of the glass plate, and furthermore, the wires are prevented from slackening when the wires are driven and stopped. This is realized by providing a supporting rod along an upward and downward movement locus of the glass plate and a contact member which has no contact with the supporting rod, by forming trumpet-shaped guide portions at hole edges of the wire fixing portions, and by V-shaping the circumferential surfaces of a tensioner for eliminating slack of the wires.

Abstract: The invention provides abrasive articles with optimally oriented abrasive particles and a method of making the same. The method involves contacting a substrate with the contact and mating surfaces of tools to provide an embossed substrate with perforated depressions, distributing abrasive particles within the depressions of the substrate, optimally orienting each abrasive particle in the depression containing the abrasive particle, creating a differential pressure between the top surface and the back surface of the embossed, perforated sheet wherein a lower pressure is applied to the back surface to hold the oriented abrasive particles within its depression while removing at least a major portion of abrasive particles not within the depressions from the top surface of the sheet and permanently bonding the abrasive particles in the depressions after they are optimally oriented to provide the abrasive product.

Abstract: A telescopic seating riser assembly capable of being configured into a variety of seating riser systems. The assembly has a plurality risers having vertically spaced substantially horizontal portions with the risers being movable between an extended position for use and a retracted position for storage. The assembly is further constructed to support deck bridging panels between spaced apart pairs of assemblies, and to utilize a method of supporting at least one deck bridging panel on a pair of spaced apart telescopic seating riser assemblies in an extended position for use and in a retracted position for storage of the assemblies.

Abstract: A leaf guard is provided to be mounted to a gutter. In accordance with one preferred embodiment, a leaf guard for a gutter mounted to an edifice is provided. The leaf guard is formed of a single sheet of rigid material and includes a first section having one end adapted to be secured to the edifice, a first bend, and a second section connected to the first section at the first bend, the second section including apertures to permit water to pass therethrough and adapted to extend from the first bend to an inner edge of the gutter, wherein the first section, first bend and the second section are constructed and arranged so that the bend is substantially even with or below the inner edge of the gutter when the guard is mounted to the edifice and gutter.

Abstract: A headwall is adapted for use with a bed in a room of a healthcare facility. The headwall comprises a service delivery unit movable relative to a wall of the room between a storage position and a use position allowing the bed to dock to the service delivery unit to receive one or more services from the service delivery unit. It is disclosed to use the headwall to provide services to patient care equipment mounted to a side rail of the bed. Such patient care equipment is, for example, a chest drainage unit, an infusion unit, or a vacuum bandage unit.

Abstract: A pliable, ductile plate-shaped roof flashing is disclosed. The roof flashing has a laminate structure comprising a composite layer and a foil sheeting on one or both sides of the composite layer. The composite layer comprises a carrier material and one or more non-structural constituents. At least one of the non-structural constituents comprises a heavy metal compound having a density higher that 3.5 g/ml.

Abstract: A self-contained, portable dwelling fabricated from a cargo container is described. The dwelling includes windows and a door in its walls and a plurality of solar panels on the roof. The solar panels collect solar power, which is transferred to storage batteries. The solar panels, storage batteries, and a power inverter make up a self-contained electrical system for the dwelling. The dwelling includes a self-contained sewage and water system including a black water tank, a gray water tank, a potable water storage tank, a toilet, a shower, and a sink. Various electrical appliances, such as an air conditioner, microwave, refrigerator, may be included. Further, a solar powered exhaust fan and a skylight may be included. The dwelling includes International Standards Organization (ISO) locking devices to allow transport on ISO compliant transporting vehicles.

Abstract: A clear span building structure includes a first row of cantilever supporting structures and a second opposing row of cantilever supporting structures. Each of the cantilever supporting structures has (1) a post with a top end and a bottom end, the bottom end being engaged to the ground; (2) an anchor span having a haunch height from a bottom end of the anchor span to the ground; and (3) a cantilever span. The anchor span and the cantilever span are coupled to the top end of the post. The anchor span slopes downwards from the top end of the post and the cantilever span slopes upwards from the top end of the post. A first roof covers the first row of cantilever supporting structures. A second roof covers the second opposing row of cantilever supporting structures. The first row of cantilever supporting structures and the second opposing row of cantilever supporting structures form only two pole lines.

Abstract: A spacer for use for mounting of spacing fillets on a underlayment with a distance between the underlayment and the spacing fillets, where tie spacer has a bottom plate with an upper side for abutting the underside. A spacer for use for the mounting of spacing fillets on an underlayment with a space between underlayment and the spacing fillets, where the spacer has a bottom plate with an upper side for abutting the underside of the spacing fillet, and the spacer on the opposite side of this bottom plate is provided with a spacing unit for abutting the surface of the underlayment.

Abstract: An animal guard with a multitude of rotatable elements that can be securely mounted on a generally vertical or horizontal structure is disclosed. The rotatable elements may be of varying shapes and are designed to provide an unsteady footing for animals attempting to cross the object to continue travel along the structure. In accordance with one embodiment, the animal guard is configured to surround a vertically-extending structure. A series of hollow rotatable elements, or “spinners”, are provided with a hole formed at opposing longitudinal ends. The spinners are bifurcated into two generally equal halves that attach together. A guard plate is mounted to surround the structure and has a series of cross arm brackets which extend through the end holes of the spinners to serve as end axles for rotation and to position the spinners around the circumference of the structure. A support means secures the location of the guard plate and spinners and couples the guard plate to the structure.

Abstract: Various improved methods are provided for fastening two of more steel framing members together with a fastener. In one aspect, the fastening technique employs a fastener having a tip section such that a portion of the tip section extending beyond the underside of the framing members may be outwardly flared, thereby inhibiting removal of the fastener from the framing members In another aspect, the fastening technique employs a fastener having a steel tip nose for piercing the framing members and a plastic stem section, such that a portion of the stem section extending beyond the underside of the framing members expands, thereby inhibiting removal of the fastener from the framing members. In yet another aspect, the fastening technique employs a fastener having a coil section with an elastic characteristic.

Abstract: A roof-screen system for supporting a roof screen on a roof, comprises a plurality of frame elements of round galvanized steel tubing configured as separate frames. The frames have a front element, a bottom element, and a diagonal brace element. A plurality of base supports are secured to the frame elements and sleeve connectors, including a base connector, an end connector, and a field connector which secure the frame elements together and to the base. A plurality of support elements are used for supporting the face panels to the front element of the separate frames.

Abstract: A method for building a floor in a structure, such as a house, that is designed to utilize the heat stored in the earth is disclosed.

Abstract: A cast-in-place pass through firestop device for providing a passage in a partition in a structure through which wires, cables, pipes, and the like are run includes a housing having a riser portion with frangible connections that define removable bands that can be readily removed by a user to adjust the height of the device in accordance with the thickness of the partition into which the device is installed. The removable bands include pull tabs that provide grasping means to facilitate removal of the bands by a user along a frangible connection. The housing also includes a base portion including a recess with ribs for maintaining the firestop material in spaced relation from the base portion sidewall.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for post-tensioning a reinforcing strand disposed within a concrete slab of the character having a plurality of reinforcing members embedded therein. The apparatus includes a yieldably deformable elastomeric body having a longitudinally extending passageway formed therein for receiving the reinforcing strand. The apparatus also includes a removal mechanism for use in expeditiously removing the elastomeric body from the concrete slab after the slab has been poured.