Abstract: A sole component for an article of women's footwear intended to address biomechanical characteristics unique to women. The sole component includes a lateral alignment portion underlying and extending through a region beneath the distal head of the second metatarsal, the distal head of the fifth metatarsal and the proximal head of the fifth metatarsal, and not into the flex zone ahead of the distal heads of metatarsals. The lateral alignment portion provides relatively firm resistance to compression. The sole component may further include a forefoot fixing portion underlying the distal head of the fifth metatarsal. The forefoot fixing portion provides relatively soft resistance to compression. In some embodiments, the sole component may also include a medial alignment portion extending along the medial side of the component from the heel through the arch.

Abstract: A shoe has an upper, a foot support region positioned below at least a portion of the upper to support the bottom of a user's foot, a sole secured below the foot support region, and a flexible member positioned below at least a portion of the foot support region and above at least a portion of the sole. The flexible member has a top surface, a bottom surface, a peripheral portion, and an interior portion. The interior portion of the flexible member deflects in use in a direction substantially perpendicular to a major longitudinal axis of the shoe. At least a portion of the peripheral portion is restrained from movement relative to the interior portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the major longitudinal axis of the shoe.

Abstract: An improved expandable shoe and inner assembly are disclosed. The expandable shoe includes an outer shell and an adjustable inner assembly is disposed within the outer shell. The inner assembly has a first board portion and a second board portion in overlapping engagement with each other and a control to adjust the position of the first board portion relative to the second board portion. The control includes a locking mechanism shaped to engage and hold one of the first and second board portions, a biasing mechanism to bias the locking mechanism into engagement with one of the first and second board portions; and an urging member having a proximal portion external of the shoe outer shell and positioned and movable transversely to a longitudinal direction of the shoe and in transverse alignment with the locking mechanism.

Abstract: The Shoes with Interchangeable Shoe Covers is a shoe cover system for Clog and Loafer type shoes that allow you to change the appearance of the shoes as desired. The shoe covers allow the wearer to partially change the top and side appearance of a pair of shoes to different colors, shapes, prints, designs, textures or styles. The covers provide a fast and inexpensive way to match the shoes to a varied wardrobe in just a few seconds.

Abstract: Combination of golf shoes and other golfing tools. For example a multi-functional shoe (20) which includes divot repair-tool (22), and golf tee (46). Golf shoes are constructed with holding mechanism (32) so that divot repair-tool (22) and or golf tee (38) may be easily attached to the shoe. Divot repair-tool (22) may also be constructed with a holding mechanism to attach to an ordinary golf shoe.

Abstract: A wing plow apparatus is disclosed for attachment to a vehicle for carrying out a benching operation. The apparatus includes a moldboard having an inboard and an outboard end and a top edge and a cutting edge. A wing post supports and guides the moldboard between a lower and a benching disposition of the moldboard, the benching disposition being higher than the lower disposition. The wing post includes a cylinder and a piston slidably disposed within the cylinder. A connecting rod has a first and a second end, with the first end being secured to the piston. The second end of the connecting rod is rigidly connected to the vehicle. The wing post also includes a further cylinder and a further piston slidably disposed within the further cylinder. A further connecting rod has a first and a second termination. The first termination is secured to the further piston and the second termination is connected to the inboard end of the moldboard. The cylinder and the further cylinder are rigidly secured to each other.

Abstract: A wall-mounted calendar frame with custom inserts is disclosed. The wall-mounted calendar frame includes a frame bordering a transparent layer. On a back portion of the frame is a holding rack for holding a calendar insert. The calendar insert depicts a specific month and provides a decorative graphical representation. The calendar insert may be easily removed by a tab located on one side of the calendar insert. The frame may also be decorated with designs.

Abstract: An illuminated card device formed from sheet stock, for use as a greeting card or the like. One or more EL lamps are attached either flat against the card or mounted as pop-up elements. Two wires lead out from the EL lamps to a high voltage driver circuitry that converts a low voltage signal into an AC high voltage signal (approximately 40V to 300V peak to peak.) This circuitry is mounted on a PCB, hidden from view. A sliding tab in the shape of a ‘t’ slides through two slits in the card. Metal elements are mounted to the tab and between the two slits. When the card is opened, the two metal elements make contact, creating an electrical short to allow the battery to supply current to the high voltage conversion circuit. The high voltage driver circuit provides signals to illuminate the EL lamps.

Abstract: A license plate holder made of a tough, resilient material has a back support with walls extending from the back support along the perimeter, defining a thick border and a well for mounting a license plate.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method for conveying information associated with containers. The apparatus comprises a container supporting modification means which when selectively altered effectively changes the appearance of the container such that a unique visual communication is produced. The related method comprises selectively altering the modification means supported by the container thereby providing a unique visual communication.

Abstract: A dynamic display device includes a shell, a lens having a plurality of concave and convex portions, and a display device having two sets of one inner and one outer shaft, each set includes two shafts, mounted on a frame. An inner member and an outer pattern member are arranged on the inner and the outer shafts respectively. Each one shaft of the inner and outer shaft sets is driven by a motor through a gear set. Moreover, an illuminant is installed inside the frame. The inner and the outer pattern members are driven in opposite direction for providing changing patterns and enlarging display area.

Abstract: A sign assembly 10 that implements electronic paper to display an animated image. The sign assembly includes a controller 12, a power supply 14, a pair of substantially transparent, electrically conductive sheets 16, 18, and a sheet of electronic paper 24, which is sandwiched between sheets 16, 18. Image layers 20, 22 are imprinted on the sheets 16, 18, or are alternatively held frictionally adjacent to sheets 16, 18 by a frame assembly 56. Image layers 20, 22 include substantially transparent regions 36, 38, 40 and 42 in which sheet 24 is visible. The conductive sheets 16, 18 are connected to controller 12 which provides an electronic signal which is varied over time resulting in the display of an animated or changing image which may be visible when viewed from one or both sides of the sign assembly 10.

Abstract: Apparatus for displaying still images to viewers in motion relative to those images, such as passengers on a subway train, includes a plurality of images mounted on a surface, and a slitboard mounted between that surface and the viewer. As the viewers pass by, the slitboard acts like a shutter, creating an animation effect. In addition, there is a stretching or widening effect that enlarges the images, allowing images to be “preshrunk,” thereby allowing a large number of images in a small space, increasing the available frame rate of the animation. The stretching effect depends on the distance between the image surface and the slitboard.

Abstract: A decoration panel with animation effects mounted to a pedal cycle comprises a panel, a linkage cable and a transmission mechanism adapted to a frame including a wheel and an axial of he pedal cycle; the panel being inserted with a pattern board showing a pattern on a display window in front of the panel; a cable core of the linkage cable having its upper end fixed to the pattern board; the transmission mechanism including a pin driven by a cam or an eccentric characterized by that: said cam or eccentric being linked to a reduction gear or an intermittent reduction gear connected to the axial of the wheel to cause the pattern board to change at slow motion or have a static 3D display.

Abstract: An escape indicating device includes a board attached to a housing, a lamp device received in the housing for illuminating the board, a circuit board received in the housing, two end caps secured to the housing for retaining the elements in the housing. One or more light devices are attached to the circuit board for generating flash lights, and a speaker device is attached to the circuit board for generating warning sounds. A processor device may couple the detectors of every floors of the building to the circuit board for telling people which floor has been on fire.

Abstract: A two-dimensional figure display device supports an animal or figure silhouette with loose appendages, such as a dog's ears and tongue, on the exterior of a vehicle rear window. The image of the figure to be simulated is formed on a stiffening support. The support has an upwardly extending clip which engages between the window and the window frame of the moving vehicle, a two part hook and loop fastener secures the lower portion of the support to the window. Loose flaps of material attached to the support are acted upon by the wind as the vehicle travels, simulating movement of the depicted figure.

Abstract: A security identification tag having an elongated body and a label, said elongated body including a leading end and a second end, an opening for receiving the leading end at a point between the leading end and the second end and an elongated aperture for receiving at least a portion of the label, said label having an area for receiving identification information.

Abstract: A pictorial display resides in the combination of a block of transparent material and a backing. The backing is removably or permanently attached to the block by interlocking elements formed on the backing and on the block. For example, the interlocking elements can be pegs and bores. In one embodiment, the backing includes separately formed portions. Pictures placed between the block and backing are dramatically viewed through the block.

Abstract: An improved structure of a side rail of an advertising panel includes a framework having four liftable side rails and four corner pedestals for connecting with these four side rails, and the corner pedestal is hollow and the L-shaped side of the corner pedestal is an opening. With this arrangements, these corner pedestals of the advertising panel are possible simply by lifting these side rails easily to change an advertising board fast and the latter is therefore more convenient for use to lift.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a safety device for a firearm such as a revolver, which includes a flexible, elastic element (24) fixed to the hammer and having a free end (26) interacting with the tail of a cylinder blocking lever (13) to move the latter from an active block position to an inactive release position of the cylinder consequent to a rotation of the hammer from a rest position to a cocked position passing through an intermediate, safety half-cocked position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to secure a safety catch in a jammed position are disclosed. A disclosed firearm includes a housing; a mounting bracket carried by the housing; and a cocking slide slidably engaging the mounting bracket external to the housing. The cocking slide is engageable with the safety catch in order to move the safety catch against the force of a closing spring and into a cocked position. In the event of a jam, the cocking slide is engageable with the safety catch in order to lock the safety catch in a jammed position between the fired position and the cocked position.

Abstract: A bipod for a firearm, or other equipment utilizing a multiple-leg pod, is provided that features easy, snap-apart and snap-together legs and snap-on and snap-off connection of the bipod to a ball or knob on the firearm or other equipment. The legs are preferably received in bores/holes in the bipod body and, during snapping in and out, the legs move past protrusions that restrict movement of the legs between different lobes of the bores/holes. The ball joint formed between the ball/knob and the main body of the bipod serves as preferably the only connection that moves during use by the shooter. As the shooter swivels, tilts, or pans the gun, the ball/knob attached to the firearm moves in the top socket of the main body of the bipod, with the legs being stationary relative to the main body.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for removably mounting an optical sighting device such as a telescopic sight to an object, which may, for example, comprise a surveyor's tool or a firearm, etc. In one embodiment, the apparatus may include a front mounting assembly and a rear mount assembly. In one embodiment, a first mounting member that is attachable to the object and shaped to support a portion of the optical sighting device therein. A second mounting member is pivotally, movably or removably coupled to the first mounting member and is selectively movable between a first position wherein the optical sighting device may be supported between the first mounting member and the second mounting member and a second position wherein the optical sighting device may be removed from between the first and second mounting members. A windage adjustment member may be supported on one of the first and second mounting members and an elevation adjustment member may be supported on one of the first and second mounting members.

Abstract: A fishing lure protector device that comprises a flexible sheet member which is adapted to be folded about the lure, the sheet member having opposed edges, and attachment means to allow the opposed edges to be attached relative to each other to protect the lure and to immobilise the hooks.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for an animal decoy and more particularly pertains to a process for applying a photo-reproduced image to a silhouette decoy is disclosed. The animal decoy includes a body having a two sided flat surface, and a mounting stake for upright usage of the body. The body formed in the shape of a silhouette cut from a flat weather proof and light weight material. At least one side of the body receives a decoy image of a game animal shaped to match the silhouette. The resulting decoy image using the described process herein is a lenticular image, and can best be described as the decoy image coming to life. Slight movement of the body of the decoy will cause the decoy image of the present invention to appear active. Equally important, where the body is stationary, the slightest movement by the game animal viewing the decoy image displayed on the body causes the decoy image to visually alter so that the image appears active.

Abstract: A lure having an elastomeric body is provided. The body defines an aperture structured to retain a replaceable fish attracting article, such as an illuminant, scent packet, rattle, gas emitter, or weight. The body of the lure can be constructed of a crystal gel having improved damage tolerance, crack propagation resistance, tear resistance and fatigue resistance, which greatly minimizes the risk of tearing during insertion, removal and reinsertion of the fish attracting articles. The aperture has an entrance portion and a retaining portion. The entrance portion and retaining portion define at least one shoulder that structured to retain the fish attracting article in the retaining portion.

Abstract: A method of establishing a fishing line comprises the steps of attaching attachment openings of a breakable link to a surface buoy and underwater gear, and disconnecting the surface buoy from the underwater gear by irrecoverably breaking the wall of one of the attachment openings at a weakened portion thereof, without breaking a join portion connecting the attachment openings. The weakened portion extends circumferentially from 150° to 210°, i.e. for about a half of an entire circumference of the associated attachment opening. The thickness and/or material failure load of the weakened portion is from 50 to 70% of the thickness and/or material failure load of the remainign elements of the breakable link. The connecting portions may be rigidly integrated with each other, or pivotably attached via the join portion.

Abstract: An insect killing system optimized for mosquitoes uses multiple thermal gradients to simulate the breathing of, and body heat emitted by, animals, including human beings and fowl, to attract insects for subsequent electrocution and/or trapping. Mosquitoes are attracted to a mosquito-killing device for electrocution and/or trapping. Heat is generated within the device such that a heat gradient between an outer surface of the device and the atmosphere surrounding the device is created thereby emulating emission of body heat by an animal. At least one mosquito attractant, such as an aromatic, a pheromone, or moisture, is emitted from the device. And an airflow is created that sucks mosquitoes, which have been attracted to the outside of the device, into the device for electrocution and/or trapping by the device.

Abstract: A subsurface pesticide injection system for use in combination with a structure having a footing formed in a base soil, a stem wall formed on the footing and defining a perimeter of the structure, a fill material disposed on the base soil within the perimeter of the stem wall, and a concrete slab formed on the fill material is provided. The concrete slab has openings extending therethrough. The subsurface pesticide injection and fluid extraction system comprising includes a tubular conduit disposed adjacent the foundation of the structure. The tubular conduit has a sidewall and a plurality of tortuous pores extending through the sidewall of the tubular conduit.

Abstract: Dyes and pigments present in candle wax compositions are particularly well stabilized against color fade or color change by a combination of a UV absorber and a metal compound, particularly a tin compound. The further addition of a hindered amine or antioxidant is highly beneficial.

Abstract: A catalyst and method for improving combustion efficiency in boilers, engines, and other equipment by adding to fossil and other fuels a fuel additive that contains an oil-soluble iron compound and an over-based magnesium compound and for which the median particle size of the additive is less than about 0.01 micrometers.

Abstract: An improved fuel oil composition comprises fuel oil and specific acylated polyalkylene polyamine.

Abstract: Processes and systems are provided that include introducing ammonia liberated from organic waste to a coal burner in a coal burning power plant, preferably for NOx removal at the power plant. The ammonia is preferably either ammonia liberated upon drying a mixture of organic waste and coal combustion byproducts or ammonia liberated when organic waste is mixed with coal combustion by-products and one or more alkaline additives. Also provided are processes and systems of fueling a coal burner of a power plant with coal and either a dried mixture of organic waste and coal combustion by-products, or a mixture of organic waste, coal combustion by-products and one or more alkaline additives. The present invention is further directed to mixtures of either organic waste and coal combustion by-products, or mixtures of organic waste, coal combustion by-products and alkaline additives made by the processes of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention provides a method by which low-rank coal may be processed to provide a high-energy feedstock for coal gasification and synthesis gas production. Preliminary coal, preparation, which may include washing and drying, is followed by wax-impregnation to produce a high-energy, low-moisture, stable feedstock. The wax is preferably obtained from an on-site Fischer-Tropsch reactor that also produces diesel fuel and naptha.

Abstract: Accelerated degradation of mulching paper, formed from cellulose fibers impregnated with a hydrophobic resin to provide weather resistance, comprises spraying the paper with an enzyme solution which degrades both the resin and the cellulose.

Abstract: A floral sleeve sized to contain a flower pot, and method of use thereof, the sleeve generally having a hexagonal shape and which can be connected via a securing element to a pot disposed within the sleeve. The sleeve may have a detachable upper portion for supporting the sleeve from a support device or for enclosing a floral grouping disposed within the pot.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a tree or shrub, comprises a plurality of stakes each including first and second ends, respectively, the first ends being adapted for permitting the stakes to be driven into the ground, a plurality of straps, and attachment means located on the plurality of stakes, respectively, for securely attaching a portion of selected ones of the plurality of straps thereto, respectively, wherein the plurality of stakes are arranged in a desired spaced apart configuration around the root ball, and driven via their respective first ends at least partly into the ground, each of the plurality of straps being individually connected via the attachment means to and between a selected pair of the plurality of stakes, respectively, for providing a desired configuration of a single layer or multiple overlying layers of the plurality of straps, whereby the plurality of straps are positioned over and against the root ball to provide a downward force thereagainst and to secure the root ball in place.

Abstract: There is a pot for growing a plant. The pot in a position of use has downwardly opening gaps (6) through the side walls (4). The tips of plant roots growing down the side walls are pruned by the effects of air and light when encountering the gaps (6) so that further up the root lateral growth inward toward centre of the pot is encouraged. The pot also has a substantially open bottom 2 and tapered side walls (4) to creat a wedging action to help soil retention above the open bottom (2).

Abstract: A floral sleeve sized to contain a flower pot, and method of use thereof, the sleeve generally having a hexagonal shape and which can be connected via a securing element to a pot disposed within the sleeve. The sleeve may have a detachable upper portion for supporting the sleeve from a support device or for enclosing a floral grouping disposed within the pot.

Abstract: Sheets of material having a first printed pattern disposed on an upper surface thereof and a second printed pattern disposed on a lower surface thereof are disclosed, as well as methods for producing same. Such sheets of material may be employed to provide a decorative cover for a floral grouping or a decorative cover for a flower pot; or to form a preformed flower pot cover for covering a flower pot; or to provide a sleeve for wrapping or covering a floral grouping or a flower pot; or to provide a ribbon material. The sheets of material of the present invention may be constructed of a single layer of material or multiple layers of material.

Abstract: A floral sleeve sized to fit about a flower pot or floral grouping. The sleeve has a base with side gussets and optionally bottom gussets for allowing expansion from a flattened position to an opened position. The sleeve may comprise a detachable upper portion, and a skirt portion. The sleeve is preferably secured about a pot or floral grouping via a banding element.

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system comprising a floral sleeve having a base portion and skirt portion. The sleeve comprises a shrinkable element constructed of a material shrinkable by heating or other means, wherein when the shrinkable element is caused to shrink, a constricted area is formed in the sleeve to help secure the sleeve in a position about a pot, floral grouping, or growing medium disposed therein. The sleeve may have an upper portion which can surround and protect a plant disposed in a pot and which can be detached once the protective function of the upper portion has been completed, thereby allowing the skirt portion to extend from the base portion. The sleeve may have a plurality of expansion elements in the base portion, or may lack such expansion elements.

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

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system comprising a floral sleeve having a base portion and skirt portion. The sleeve comprises a shrinkable element constructed of a material shrinkable by heating or other means, wherein when the shrinkable element is caused to shrink, a constricted area is formed in the sleeve to help secure the sleeve in a position about a pot, floral grouping, or growing medium disposed therein. The sleeve may have an upper portion which can surround and protect a plant disposed in a pot and which can be detached once the protective function of the upper portion has been completed, thereby allowing the skirt portion to extend from the base portion. The sleeve may have a plurality of expansion elements in the base portion, or may lack such expansion elements.

Abstract: A method of forming a decorative cover, a sleeve or a preformed pot cover for a floral grouping or flower pot from a sheet of material having a printed pattern thereon wherein the printed pattern contains shaded and highlighted areas which provide the printed pattern with a visual perception of depth and thus a three-dimensional appearance.

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system including a floral sleeve having a decorative pattern thereon. The sleeve may have a lower portion sized to cover a pot and an upper portion which can surround a plant disposed in the pot and which can be detached after the protective function of the upper portion is complete or which can be used to support the sleeve from a support device prior to use. The decorative pattern preferably has an arcuate upper boundary in the flattened condition which when opened, gives the sleeve the appearance of having an upper edge which is parallel to the upper rim of the pot disposed within the sleeve.

Abstract: A plant packaging method providing a tubular sleeve having excess material therein and attaching the sleeve to a potted plant via a bonding material.

Abstract: A decorative assembly for supporting a floral grouping which includes a floral holding material and a sheet of fluid impermeable material. The floral holding material is a preformed shape-sustaining support member, which is selectively movable between an expanded condition and a flattened condition, is provided with a stabilizing assembly for stabilizing the preformed shape-sustaining support member in the expanded condition.

Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping comprising a floral holding material and a sheet of material. The floral holding material is a shape-sustaining support member having an open upper end, an open lower end and a peripheral sidewall defining an internal chamber extending between the open upper end and the close lower end. The sheet of material is extended about a portion of the floral holding material to form a decorative cover and the decorative cover cooperates with the shape-sustaining support member to define a reservoir for confining a liquid a securing element secures the decorative cover about the shape-sustaining support member and a crimped portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the floral holding material to provide a decorative covering.

Abstract: A steam reformer that produces hydrogen gas from water and a carbon-containing feedstock, such as an alcohol or a hydrocarbon. The steam reformer includes a hydrogen-producing region, in which a mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas and other gases is produced from water and a carbon-containing feedstock. The steam reformer includes a separation region, in which the mixed gas stream is separated into a hydrogen-rich stream containing at least substantially pure hydrogen gas, and a byproduct stream containing at least a substantial portion of the other gases. In some embodiments, the steam reformer is a vertically oriented fuel processor. In some embodiments, the separation region includes at least one hydrogen-selective membrane. In some embodiments, the steam reformer further includes a polishing region, in which the hydrogen-rich stream produced in the separation region is further purified. In some embodiments, the reformer includes an external metal or sealed ceramic shell.