Abstract: A binding for a snowshoe has a base secured to a footbed connected to the snowshoe frame, and a tongue piece above the footbed, connected at front to the footbed in a flexible hinge and positioned to engage the top of a user's boot, from the toe to the arch. At each side of the binding, between the tongue piece and the footpad, lacing extends in zig-zag configuration from the front to the back of the binding, passing through lacing eyes and slidable through the eyes with relatively low friction, for drawing the tongue piece down onto the boot. At the back of the binding, a heel strap is positioned to extend around the heel of the foot, and this heel strap is connected to the lacing at both sides, such that when the heel strap is tightened via slip-through type adjustment buckles, this pulls on the lacing to tighten the lacing at both sides and snug the tongue piece down against the boot, firmly engaging the boot in the binding.

Abstract: A harness for a snowshoe has straps, buckles and strap slip connections configured such that a single pull will snug the harness down to the boot, both at the toe and at the top of the arch, firmly engaging over the shoe or boot. The straps, which may be formed as a single strap, extend up from one side of the toe end of a footbed secured to the snowshoe, and pass through loops and buckles of the harness assembly in such a way that the ends of the straps, or a loop of the single strap can be pulled from between the buckles to tighten the harness at toe and arch areas simultaneously. Mechanical advantage preferably is provided at the toe end, by the strap looping back once before it reaches the buckle. The strap or straps are arranged and connected such that a flexible harness shell that extends up from one side of the footbed “floats” in position, accommodating a wide range of shoe or boot sizes.

Abstract: A snowshoe having a tubular frame supporting a flexible deck has a molded tail piece connecting the tail ends of the tubular frame. The tail piece has two dowel members which are angled to form a rear apex, such that the tail ends of the tubular frame extend over the dowel members for secure connection. In addition, the molded tail piece has a connecting bracket extending forwardly, with a wide slot in which the tail of the stretched membrane decking is secured. In this way a rear support and connection point for the decking is provided by the tube end connector, while also providing tension on the tail piece retaining it in place without the need for fasteners.

Abstract: A carrier for carrying personal items on a shoe. The carrier is preferably affixed to a top portion of the shoe by interlacing shoe laces of the shoe through eyelets located on a bottom surface of the carrier. The carrier includes a closeable opening leading to an interior of the carrier. The carrier can carry small personal items such as keys and money. The carrier may also include a secondary pocket for holding additional personal items such as pens or pencils.

Abstract: A shoe sole includes one or more openings formed in the peripheral portion for receiving one or more light devices. The light device each includes a circuit board received in a casing and having a switch, and one or more light bulbs. One or more batteries are coupled to the light bulbs for energizing the light bulbs. A cap is detachably secured to each of the casings with peripheral flanges or ribs or with threads, and includes a tube for being forced to engage with the switch and to actuate and energize the light bulbs when the cap is depressed.

Abstract: An integrated forming shoe having massage and shock-proof effects includes an arched and bulged section corresponding to the arch portion of human sole. The arched and bulged section has a profile and height matching the arch portion of the sole. A massage block is embedded in the interior of the insole corresponding to the arched and bulged section for stimulating the vital point reflection zone on the arch portion (i.e. Yung Chuan vital points) to attain massage and stimulation effect.

Abstract: A dragline apparatus has an independently controlled front hoist line and rear hoist line. The front hoist line is connected to the forward end of the bucket, and the rear hoist line is connected to the rearward end.

Abstract: A member constituting a support-connecting portion with another support structural member is a cast member, and the cast member is integrally built up with a long member formed of a plate material so as to avoid stress concentration. In a long structural member for equipment including a connecting structural portion at a proximal portion, a proximal constitutive portion (6) including a boss (7) and a bracket (8), which are a connecting support portion at the proximal portion, is integrally formed of cast steel. The cast steel proximal constitutive portion (6) is connected and built up with a steel long portion (2) at a connected portion, and thereafter, are integrally welded together.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for stabilizing an ironing table, comprising a weight and a hollow base member that holds the weight. The base member connects to the legs of an ironing table and extends outwardly from the legs. The weight in the base member adds mass to the lower portion of the ironing table, increasing the table's resistance to tipping or wobbling. In one aspect of the invention, the weight may be removed from the base member to decrease the overall weight of the ironing table when the table is being transported.

Abstract: A wind indicator is described that includes a body with a frame including a spindle axis and a web. A pivot is connected to the frame to permit the body to rotate about a pivot axis. A spindle is disposed on the spindle axis and is rotatable about the spindle axis. The spindle includes first and second hubs, each of which include a central body portion and at least one vane support receiving element. The wind indicator also has at least one element connecting the first hub to the second hub to maintain the first and second hubs in positional relation with respect to one another. The connecting element is offset from the spindle axis by a predetermined distance. At least one vane extends between the vane support receiving elements on the two hubs. The vane captures air movement and translates it into rotational movement of the spindle.

Abstract: The simulated log fireplace apparatus having a housing (14) forming a fire box having a back wall (22), bottom wall (18), top wall (16), two side walls (23a,b) and an open front side (11) containing at least one artificial log (32) and simulated flame sheets (33) therein. A blower (50) directs air on to the simulated flame sheets to simulate the movement of real flames. A colored light source (39) provides the color of real flames. The light source and blower are adjustable from a control panel (21) under a louver panel (47) in a top front of the apparatus. The artificial log may include a translucent base log (32) on an ember bed (26) with a white light source (31) beneath the translucent log. A window log (29) having an aperture (26) simulate a burning core of a real log. A transparent partition (45) that has a partially opaque area (55) just above the simulated flame sheets helps to further simulate appearance and depth of a real fireplace.

Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing a product from a plurality of parts based on the result of an event includes designing each of a first group of the plurality of parts with a generic design and designing each of a second group of the plurality of parts with a customized design. Each of the second group of parts has at least two versions of the customized design. The first group of parts is manufactured into a partially completed product, and the second group of parts is manufactured separately. After receiving a result of the event, the manufacture of the product is completed with the partially completed product and the second group of parts designed with a version consistent with the result of the event.

Abstract: One or more frame members are assembled to provide a frame having a front face, sides and a back. The frame surrounds an area of predetermined size and configuration and is designed to accept a flexible sheet material which is pulled taut over the area and front face and around the sides of the frame. The flexible material may have art, graphics or other indicia applied to the outer exposed side and is easily secured, adjusted and removed on the back of the frame with the use of an adhesive membrane and removable clips. The assembled frame is structured to mount tightly against a flat, curved or angled (e.g. inward or outward corners) wall surface with no visible fasteners.

Abstract: A mounting structure for display of at least one display board wherein the structure includes at least a pair of spaced apart retaining members where the display board may be pressed into secure engagement between the retaining members.

Abstract: A sliding accessory may be mounted on a rail of a file folder, binder, sheet protector, divider, or other device. The accessory may be initially provided on a printable sheet, and may be provided with one or more fold lines that enable the accessory to be folded into a desired configuration. The fold lines may also be used to form a male portion that may be inserted into the rail of the file folder for attaching the accessory to the file folder. The male portion may be provided on one or two sides of the accessory depending on a rail configuration of the file folder. The male portion may have securing portions that interconnect with securing edges of the rail of the file folder. The securing portions and securing edges interconnect in such a manner that enables the accessory to be slidably moved along the rail. The accessory may be produced from a printable sheet having one or more die-cut accessories formed therein.

Abstract: A photo lens with magnet includes a clear lens having an interior surface, an exterior surface, a lens perimeter and a center. One or more magnets are attached to the clear lens. The magnet is attracted to a metal surface by a magnetic force. The magnetic force attaches the lens to the metal surface. A photo can be securely positioned between the metal surface and the lens. The lens can easily be removed from the metal surface to change the photo.

Abstract: An embodiment of an apparatus adapted for actuating a bolt carrier group of a receiver assembly is disclosed herein. The embodiment of such an apparatus comprises a piston tube attached to a receiver assembly. An operating rod is disposed in a bore of the piston tube. A piston is engaged with a first end of the operating rod. The operating rod moves from a static position to a displaced position when a combustion gas is exposed to a face of the piston. A bolt carrier including a bolt carrier lug is disposed in a bolt carrier lug channel of an upper receiver body. A tappet rod is engaged with the bolt carrier lug. The tappet rod moves substantially in unison with the operating rod. A yoke is attached to the tappet rod and to the operating rod. The yoke is mounted movably on the piston tube. An adjustable pressure regulator is coupled to the piston tube for regulating discharge of the combustion gas therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention features a firearm safety mechanism with an improved trigger pull, wherein the weight of the safety mechanism is not on the trigger when the hammer is in the “full cock” position. The advancement presented in the present invention serves to separate the trigger from the trigger bar during the period when the trigger is pulled. As a result, the weight of the safety mechanism is not borne by the trigger while the hammer is fully cocked. This is accomplished by providing means for positioning the transfer bar into the extended position free from contact with the trigger. The present invention further features means, dependent upon the trigger, for facilitating the relocation of the transfer bar from its extended position into a retracted position upon release of the trigger subsequent to discharge of the firearm.

Abstract: Safety lock against undesired pulling of a short firearm out from its scabbard consists of a flat element (1) with components (11) for its attachment to a side of the scabbard (2) on the user's side, and an active element (3) in the form of a double-arm lever, one end (31) of which is, if the short firearm (4) is placed in its scabbard (2), located in its bow (41), and other action release end (32) is located close to the user's thumb, while the axis (5) around which the double-arm lever of thc active element (3) turns, is attached to the flat element (1), and a spring element (6) for keeping the active element (3) in its working position is attached to the active element (3).

Abstract: A hand held game fowl decoy comprising a generally flat body having opposed substantially parallel surfaces of contrasting color or brightness. The body includes a first rigid portion and a second rigid portion having a peripheral outline generally to provide roughly a silhouette of a game fowl's wing. The body is hinged along a hinge line which forms the junction between the first and second body portions. A handle adapted to be held in the hand of a hunter extends from the first body portion. Repeated movement of the handle by the hunter effects swinging of the second body portion relative to the first portion about the hinge line alternately making visible to the game fowl being hunted the contrasting color or brightness of at least the second body portion and simulating the flapping of a fowl's wings.

Abstract: A scent-dispensing device that dispenses scent while the device is pulled through water comprises a cylinder of uniform diameter with a first end and a second end A piston is movably positioned within the cylinder, such that when the body is pulled through the water, water enters the first end of the cylinder and causes movement of the piston toward the second end of the cylinder. As the piston moves toward the second end of the cylinder, scent is forced through the second aperture and into the ambient environment.

Abstract: A two-jawed trap including a cable snare encircling spring-loaded jaws when the trap is set. When the trap is sprung, it is constructed to disconnect the spring from the jaws under load from the animal making desperate forcible attempts to release the trap, thus allowing the jaws to open from the leg of the animal. However, the snare is set at the same time that the trap is sprung, so the animal remains caught by the snare even though the trap rigid frame including the jaws releases and completely detaches from the animal leg.

Abstract: A termite lure for use with a hole passing through a slab includes: a tubular container housing a mass of entangled cellulose fibers or a grouping of fiberboard disks; and a rod having a length greater than that of the container or grouping of fiberboard disks extending through the container or grouping. The container or grouping is slidably retained on the rod so that the lure can be easily repositioned along the length of the rod. The lure may also include an expansible plug that seals the hole in the slab. Preferably, the termite lure is used with a non-repellant termiticide and the lure in placed in the hole with the cellulose fibers or the lowermost disk of the lure in contact with the soil beneath the hole.

Abstract: A flammable article comprising one or more polyamide gellants selected from the group consisting of fatty polyamides and ester terminated polyamides, a fatty acid ester having a carbon chain of at least 9 carbons, and a fatty acid solubilizer comprising at least 1% by weight of the flammable article.

Abstract: A low-emissions diesel fuel comprises fungible aviation kerosene grade 55, 50-300 ppm detergent, 25-500 ppm lubricity additive and a bimetallic, fuel soluble platinum and cerium fuel borne catalyst (e.g., 0 1-2 0 ppm platinum COD and 5-20 pmm cerium oleate). The fuel can be used as is or in the form of an emulsion A method of reducing the emissions of pollutants from a diesel engine, comprising running the engine on a fuel as defined.

Abstract: The invention provides a blend of biodiesel with an alcohol-based fuel such as ethanol as an additive. The blend improves the biodiesel's cetane number, improves its cleaning ability, and also helps provide antigel protection at low temperatures. The blended biodiesel with ethanol is typically then further mixed with diesel fuel, often in a one to four ratio of biodiesel to diesel. The improved biodiesel fuel is easy to make and the ethanol mixed therein is preferably derived from recycled beverages and/or syrups.

Abstract: A low profile commercial greenhouse is provided which is adapted for growing plants, as well as methods for using same. The low profile commercial greenhouse includes a housing having an upper end, a lower end, and a plant retaining space, wherein the plant retaining space has a height sufficient to provide a predetermined amount of spatial clearance between the upper end of the housing and an upper end of living items growing therein to permit circulation of air and other fluids about at least a portion of the living items. The housing of the low profile commercial greenhouse may be provided with a lid or door therein for accessing the plant retaining space, and one or more apertures may be formed in the housing for modifying the atmosphere contained therein. The low profile commercial greenhouse may be provided with a conveyor disposed therein for conveying items within the plant retaining space of the housing such that the items are provided with more uniform exposure to light.

Abstract: A water permeable membrane capable of blocking the growth of plant and tree roots only in a mechanical way. This membrane comprises n layers of a non-woven material having a predetermined thickness and n+1 layers of an impermeable material perforated with holes to allow drainage of water, where n is an integer equal or greater than 1. The layers of non woven and impermeable material are in alternate position so that two layers of impermeable material form external layers of the water permeable membrane, and each layer of non-woven material is positioned between two layers of the impermeable material.

Abstract: A decorative wrapper for a floral grouping or flower pot wherein a sheet of material having embossed and printed patterns thereon is wrapped about at least a portion of the floral grouping or flower pot. The printed pattern may be in or out of register with the embossed pattern, or a portion of the printed and embossed patterns may be in register with one another and a portion of the printed and embossed patterns may be out of register with one another. The sheet of material may be provided in the form of a pad containing a plurality of sheets of material or in the form of a roll wherein the sheets of material are separable from the roll of material.

Abstract: Practical injection molded plastic garden stakes use a ribbed cross-section with contained core displaced of thermoplastic by air, foam or the like. Integrally molded notches for fencing, hooks for plants, and holes for cords are provided on the ribs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water cultivation technology of a plant, including: cultivation in an isolated manner, and achieving an air exposure and oxygen solution effect automatically. The present invention relates to a water cultivation system of a plant, including a plurality of cultivation boxes arranged in a separate and isolated manner. Each of the cultivation boxes has a hollow inner portion provided with a plurality of spaced support ribs each having a top face. The top face of each of the support ribs has a height greater than that a bottom face of the cultivation box, with a determined distance being defined between the top face of each of the support ribs and the bottom face of the cultivation box.

Abstract: A fatty acid such as an acetic acid or a butyric acid is added to a fuel gas for a fuel cell as an odorant. This makes it possible to add an odor to the fuel gas without poisoning an electrode catalyst and an electrolyte, and to prevent the odor from remaining in an exhaust gas emitted from the fuel cell.

Abstract: A door apparatus for opening and closing two doors supported on a horizontal door rail includes an actuator connected to one of the two doors for driving the same, a direction conversion mechanism connected to the other of the two doors for transmitting a movement of the actuator to the other door to move the same and having an engaging portion formed of a first stage and a second stage, and a locking mechanism having a latch engaging the direction conversion mechanism for locking the two doors and non-engaging the direction conversion mechanism for allowing the two doors to open. The latch engages the first stage of the engaging portion to semi-lock the doors to be able to open manually, and engages the second stage of the engaging portion to lock the doors completely.

Abstract: A power mine door installation utilizing compressed air from the compressed air system available in the mine as the power source for a hydraulic door-operating mechanism.

Abstract: This connecting device applies to a sealed connection device in which, firstly, each chamber, respectively a stationary chamber “A” and a transportable chamber “B” has at least one access opening equipped with a door (2, 3) cooperating with a flange (4, 5) with the interposition of sealing means (12, 14), one (2) of the two doors being articulated to its flange (4), and secondly, the two doors (2, 3) have means of locking to their respective flanges (4, 5) and complementary connecting means which allow them to be connected thereby forming, through contact of sealing means (12, 16), an internal space “C” isolating their faces (17, 18) opposite each other from the external medium.

Abstract: An abrasive coating and a process for forming the abrasive coating by co-depositing hard particles within a matrix material onto a substrate using a cold spray process. The cold sprayed combination of hard particles and matrix material provides a coating that is wear, erosion and oxidation resistant. The abrasive coating may have different compositions across its depth. The hard particles may be deposited at different densities across the thickness of the matrix material. A first layer of the abrasive coating proximate the surface of the substrate may be devoid of hard particles.

Abstract: A homogeneous fixed abrasive polishing article, or pad, including a matrix of a cured resin coated soft filler material having at least one working surface and an abrasive uniformly distributed throughout the filler material. A method for manufacturing the polishing pad includes the steps of mixing a binder, solvent and filler material together; drying the resin coated filler material; grinding the resin coated filler material; sieving the resin coated filler material; mixing an abrasive material with the resin coated filler material; sieving the abrasive material and the resin coated filler material thereby creating a powder material; transferring the powder material to a mold to form a working surface for the polishing pad; compressing the powder material; and curing the powder material. Alternatively, the abrasive may be mixed with the binder, solvent and filler material in the first step instead of later in the process.

Abstract: Amorphous materials, glass-ceramics and methods of making the same. Embodiments of the invention include abrasive particles. The abrasive particles can be incorporated into a variety of abrasive articles, including bonded abrasives, coated abrasives, nonwoven abrasives, and abrasive brushes.

Abstract: Al2O3-rare earth oxide-ZrO2/HfO2 ceramics (including glasses, crystalline ceramics, and glass-ceramics) and methods of making the same. Ceramics according to the present invention can be made, formed as, or converted into glass beads, articles (e.g., plates), fibers, particles, and thin coatings. The particles and fibers are useful, for example, as thermal insulation, filler, or reinforcing material in composites (e.g., ceramic, metal, or polymeric matrix composites). The thin coatings can be useful, for example, as protective coatings in applications involving wear, as well as for thermal management. Certain ceramic particles according to the present invention can be are particularly useful as abrasive particles.

Abstract: Alumina-zirconia materials and methods of making the same. Embodiments of the invention include abrasive particles. The abrasive particles can be incorporated into a variety of abrasive articles, including bonded abrasives, coated abrasives, nonwoven abrasives, and abrasive brushes.

Abstract: The Invention relates to a tornado or hurricane shelter that is located above ground and at ground surface, large enough to provide a place of safety for up to ten people and is handicap accessible. The structures shape is oblong and a oblong spherical radius at the top. The basic frame and doors are solid thick hardwood planks bonded together with glue and fastened with lag screws and the windows are high impact plastic fastened to the structure with bolts. The door is a two part door with a sight window in the top, the side windows are removable from inside and they blend to the shape of the structure. High strength wire ropes go over the shelter and attach to turnbuckles which attach to earth anchors installed deep into the earth. Wire ropes and where it attaches to the earth anchors with turnbuckles is covered with a non metallic cover. The upper part door attaches to the lower door and the lower door attaches to the basic structure with heavy duty hinges and latches that are commercially available.

Abstract: A decking assembly is mounted to a building roof or wall to thermally insulate the buildingt. The decking assembly has a first panel with an outside surface and a foil covered inside surface and a second panel having an outside surface and a foil covered inside surface. The foil covered inside surface of the second panel faces the foil covered inside surface of the first panel. At least one spacer is positioned between the panel so as to create an air space defined by the foil covered inside surfaces. The air space has an open inlet and outlet to create a continuous conduit for the flow of air from an entrance side to an exhaust side. The air space can be divided into two separate compartments by a barrier panel that has foil on opposite sides.

Abstract: A molded barrier edging for use in lawns and gardens, and a method of making the same. The molded barrier edging has a decorative appearance which may include a veneer or molded texture. A pin is provided on one end of the molded barrier edging and a complimentary receptacle is provided at the other end of the molded barrier edging such that a piece of barrier edging may be connected to other pieces of barrier edging at any angle to form a connected series of barrier edging in any desired shape. The receptacle has a structure such that it can be molded with only two molding dies, without the use of an additional core member.

Abstract: An invention for cemeteries that unifies cemetery displays and the burial monument, and does away with the clutter of ground level displays. It has a receiving base adapted for attaching numerous displays. The receiving base is bonded to the monument or its base at an elevation that will reduce problems being experienced by maintenance personnel. The attachment is achieved by using extra strength adhesives that provide long term bonding. The displays can be joined to the receiving base in several different ways, but studs with male threads and displays with incorporated female threads have received favorable attention. The receiving base can be utilized but not limited to the attachment of vases, potted plants, religious symbols or other personal items. A cavity lined with female threads located in the display's bottom or sides simplifies the union of the base and display. All displays can be attached or removed at the convenience of the user.

Abstract: A block has a finished surface that provides an attractive appearance. The block is relatively large in size, allowing the quick construction of a wall, such as a retaining wall, using the block. The block includes one or more lift and alignment devices in the block that allow the block to be lifted using a suitable lifting apparatus, such as a crane, forklift, backhoe, etc. The block includes one or more recessed portions in the bottom surface of the block positioned to receive the protruding lift and alignment device of a previously-laid block underneath, thereby helping to align the block with the previously-laid block. The block includes one or more voids that extend from the top surface to the bottom surface of the block, and that align with each other when the blocks are stacked into a wall, thereby allowing fill material to be placed in the voids to strengthen the wall. The preferred embodiments also include a wall system with various different blocks that may be used to build a wall.

Abstract: A drainage mat and mortar blocker system including a panel and polymeric drainage mat which includes protrusions on the front side and indentations on the back side of the mat. A filter fabric is affixed to the side of the mat containing the protrusions. The top portion of the back side of the drainage mat is affixed to the panel and the bottom portion of the mat is folded upward so as to form a U-shape. The U-shape is held in place by connections extending from the back side of the bottom portion of the drainage mat and into the front side of the drainage mat.

Abstract: Combining of ceiling frameworks, and structural members of skylight plenum enclosures in daylighting applications. When daylighting enclosures are designed without enclosure assemblies being directly connected to suspended ceiling types framework, but only extend and connect to the ceiling via the fabric portion of structure. Allowing daylighting enclosures to “float” above the ceiling framework and have minimal impact upon it when connected.

Abstract: A casement window or door comprised of a glass unit and pultruded fiberglass lineals which are formed into a frame having a narrow sightline. The window is thermally and acoustically efficient.

Abstract: A self-bearing curtain wall system is provided, the system including a matrix of unitized kinematically integrated cladding panels flexibly joined to a structural member so as to thereby responsively anchor said matrix of unitized cladding panels. Adjacent cladding panels of the matrix of unitized cladding panels are responsively linked horizontally and vertically for horizontal and vertical rotation. Horizontally adjacent cladding panels of the matrix of unitized cladding panels are responsively joined to a cable type structural member via an anchor fixture, which allows the structural member to move freely along the wall.

Abstract: A modular wall panel system to facilitate modular home construction in remote locations. Each wall panel includes two complementary wall members secured in their relative positions via a panel slide lock. Each wall member is composed of layers of lightweight, thermal resistant insulation. The insulant layers are separated by reflective layers designed to attract and retain solar energy.