Abstract: A shoe link for maintaining opposite sides of an upper portion of a shoe having opposite openings therethrough in a chosen spaced relationship comprises: a first lateral member having opposite end portions each of which is adapted to extend through and be held in one of the opposite openings in the top portion of the shoe and having an arched central portion which extends over a foot in the shoe. A method of using the shoe link to facilitate convenient insertion and removal comprising the steps of: removing the shoelace extending between and through openings in opposite sides of the upper portions of the shoe; providing a shoe link having a first lateral member having opposite ends each of which is adapted to extend through and be held in one of the opposite openings in the top portion of the shoe and having an arched central portion which extends over a foot in the shoe; and, securing the opposite ends of the shoe link between and through the openings in the opposite sides of the upper portion of the shoe.

Abstract: An article of clothing includes flexible clothing sheet material having first and second sheet material ends which separate to pass a portion of a wearer body into and out of the article of clothing; and first and second magnetic fasteners which are magnetically attracted to each other and are secured to respective first and second sheet material ends for releasibly securing the sheet material ends together and thus securing the article of clothing around a portion of the wearer body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a material with a substrate and a plurality of compressible projections connected to the substrate. The projections may be formed in a thermoplastic substrate to have a variety of shapes, including a shape that defines a base portion and a spring portion. The spring portion may have a structure of a belleville spring that exhibits a non-linear and bi-stable response to compressive forces. The material may be incorporated into an upper for an article of footwear, thereby providing the footwear with enhanced fit and comfort characteristics.

Abstract: The invention proposes a climbing shoe comprising a sole made of an adhesive material, characterized in that the shoe (10) comprises a reinforcement insert (26), the contour of which coincides with the contour of the sole, at least in a front portion of the sole.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for removing snow from a travel surface, including a wear member movably connected to a main blade or wing blade. In some embodiments, a fastener connected to the wear member extends through an aperture in the blade and is biased in a downward direction by a biasing mechanism connected to the blade. The biasing mechanism can include a spring, brackets retaining the spring in position with respect to the blade, and a shaft connected to the fastener and to the spring to exert a biasing force (e.g., a downward force) upon the fastener and therefore upon the wear member. The wear member can pivot about a pivot point while the biasing member biases the wear member against the travel surface.

Abstract: Compact, low-cost construction equipment capable of effectively recovering energy from a plurality of hydraulic actuators is provided. To this end, the construction equipment comprises: a hydraulic recovery circuit for recovering return oil from the hydraulic actuators, the circuit being equipped with a pump motor rotatably driven by the recovered return oil; oil guide passages each of which is for guiding return oil from the meter-out side of its corresponding hydraulic actuator to the hydraulic recovery circuit; switches for switching the respective oil guide passages between their opened and closed states; pressure sensors for detecting the back pressure of each hydraulic pressure actuator; and a dynamo-electric generator for generating electric power from the rotary force of the pump motor.

Abstract: A multiple-tool attachment for vehicles having a front subassembly and a rear subassembly. The front subassembly and rear subassembly are connected with a slip joint so that the attachment can be placed upon vehicles of varying size. A variety of tools can be connected to the front subassembly. Preferably the front subassembly has one or more support wheels, and one embodiment of the rear subassembly has one or more rear support wheels. Such wheels can support the weight of the attachment and tools to minimize the added load on a vehicle. In another embodiment, the rear subassembly is replaced with an adapter so that the front subassembly can be connected to a truck or utility vehicle. And a still further embodiment, in order to facilitate towing, adds tow wheels to the embodiment having the front subassembly but with an adapter replacing the rear subassembly.

Abstract: Steam iron having a sole plate with a steam chamber, and a sealed liquid reservoir. A drip valve supplies the steam chamber with liquid from the liquid reservoir. One or more one-way gas valves between the liquid reservoir and ambient air let air enter the reservoir in response to local negative pressures within the reservoir caused by movement of water within the reservoir, such as during reciprocal ironing motion. A pressure-equalizing passage is formed within a manually operable rod of the drip valve, such that only one opening is required in the lower wall of the liquid reservoir.

Abstract: A new steam iron with a steam chamber connected with the labyrinths and the steam outlet vents of the soleplate through a small connection duct or a small hole, in such a way as to keep high pressure inside the steam generation chamber. The iron is provided with a steam spray positioned at the front and directed towards its point.

Abstract: A supplemental identification or informational indicia means for use with an animal tag so as to provide additional information about the animal.

Abstract: A supplemental identification or informational indicia means for use with an animal tag located about the neck of the animal so as to provide additional information about the animal.

Abstract: A merchandise display, comprising a substantially planar display board having the form of a profile of a human head including a headwear portion, a head portion, and a neck portion. Merchandise is mounted to the display board. The merchandise includes a main section and a strap. The strap engages the headwear portion of the display board. The main section is suspended from the strap and covers a part of the head portion, thereby displaying the merchandise on the display board as the merchandise would appear in normal use.

Abstract: An album page adapted for inclusion in an album for holding an applied display sheet or sheets, comprising in combination narrow flat elongated spacers extending lengthwise on the page, in spaced apart relation, and to project from a plane defined by the page; and a retainer or retainers on the page and located between the spacers, to retain applied sheet or sheets, protectively between the spacers.

Abstract: A badge is disclosed having a metallic emblem having a thickness about 0.01 to about 1 mm, adhesively attached to a mounting frame by an adhesive polymeric resin having a Shore D hardness about 20 to about 90. Also disclosed is a vehicular sub-assembly including a substrate with the badge attached thereto. Methods of making the badge and the sub-assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A discreet removable chronological group indicator tab placed on a product at a predetermined depletion level. The tab appears on the product to notify the consumer the product needs replacement before its actual depletion. The tab has indicia that states the exact number of product left.. Once the tab appears, the tab is then intended to be removed from the product and attached to the side of the product dispenser as a noticeable reminder, placed in a wallet, or on a shopping list. The indicator tab bears the name or image of the product. The tab has a removable coupon with a UPC bar code attached to it that will encourage the consumer to replace the exact same product. This device enables a consumer to readily determine the exact type of product needing replenishment with the convenience of replacement before its actual depletion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a display device comprising a magnetically attachable magnetic sheet laminate, which includes a thin-film-like magnetic sheet and an impression sheet laminated on the magnetic sheet with various display subjects selectively printed on the surface of the impression sheet, and a display member having a magnetic surface and combined with the magnetic sheet laminate. A display subject such as a painting, an ink writing, a photograph, etc. thus can be quickly and readily replaced to match the season or the place of installation for according to the taste of a visitor. Or such a display subject as a poster can be replaced in dependence on an advertisement content change or the like.

Abstract: A loading device for kinetic operation automatic or semi-automatic rifles (11), comprising, housed inside a housing (23), a breechblock (24) of a barrel (25) of the rifle (11), the breechblock (24) being functionally associated with a feeder mechanism (22) by mean of a loading kinematism, wherein the feeder mechanism (22) supports at least one element (30), suitable for accumulating part of the recoil inertia energy of the rifle (11) transferring it onto an elastic element (15), which determines the loading of the firearm.

Abstract: The firearm safety device includes a cylindrical cartridge plug which is insertable into a firing chamber of the barrel of a firearm. One end of the cartridge plug is positioned proximal to the opening of the bore through the barrel and the other end is positioned proximal to a firing pin of the firearm. The cartridge plug has a smooth outer surface which is in communication with an extraction finger of the firearm. A number of protrusions emanate outwardly from the outer surface of the cartridge plug. The protrusions are frictionally engageable with the inner wall of the firing chamber to maintain the plug within the firing chamber. An elongated indicator member is connected to the end of the cartridge plug which is proximal to the bore. The other end of the elongated indicator member extends completely through the bore of the barrel so that it is visible outside the barrel of the firearm to indicate to the user that the firearm is in a safe condition and cannot be fired.

Abstract: An ergonomic adjustable gun stock for AR-15, M-16, and SR-25 type rifles for use in competition shooting events, having multiple cheek pieces, and adjustable length of pull, weight, drop, and cant. The gun stock being mounted using the original gun stock mounting means without modification after removal of the original gun stock.

Abstract: A holding device is removably attached to the protection bow of a pistol. The holding device has a main body, a fixing portion, an abutting portion that is pivotably coupled to the main body, and an accommodation space defined between the fixing portion and the abutting portion for receiving the protection bow.

Abstract: A bullet casing collector (20) is provided. The bullet casing collector includes a housing (22) having angled sidewalls (24) and (26), and a bottom surface (30). A collector plate (64) is disposed within the bottom surface, wherein the angled sidewalls are sloped to direct bullet casings into the collector plate.

Abstract: An articulative, shell casing deflection and collection apparatus is provided for deflecting and collecting spent shell casings from firearms when shooting at a range. The apparatus clamps to the edge of a shooting table and is adjustable to suit any type firearm. The frame of the invention forms an arch that originates along the edge of the table and extends up and over the firearm, which would typically be supported on a tripod. A metal fabric screen would be supported across the frame in a rectangular format. A collection bin is located along the bottom such that any shell casings would eject from the firearm, hit the screen and be deflected into the collection bin.

Abstract: Bead or weight holding tweezers which are engageable with beads and beads or weights and is formed from either metallic or polymeric material and includes a pair of substantially parallel legs that extend from a proximal joint end. Each end of the legs of the bead or weight tweezers is formed with an inwardly directed concave member which has a friction bearing surface that will fixedly engage to a bead or weight. Furthermore, the tweezers are fitted with a locking slide that when moved in the distal direction, flexes said legs together and holds the bead or fishing weight between said concave portions. Thereby facilitating the ability to successfully slide the bead or weight onto a desired position on the hook.

Abstract: A fishing lure and timing light system comprising, in combination a fishing lure made in part of a material capable of emitting light for a period of time after being subjected to a source of light radiation, a portable flashlight having a housing supporting a light source and a power source, and a switch operable to connect the light source to the power source to effect light radiation from the light source, at least the portion of the housing being made of substantially the same material as the light emitting material used in the lure, and the flashlight being operative to subject the lure to light radiation from the light source for a predetermined period of time so that both the lure and a portion of the flashlight housing are excited by light radiation, whereby observing a level of light emitted by the flashlight housing provides an remote indication of a corresponding level of light emitted by the fishing lure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved fishing rod holder assembly comprising a vertical post adapted to be mounted on a fishing boat. A support member is mounted on the vertical post and a cradle member is pivotally mounted relative to the support member. The fishing rod holder is fixedly connected to the cradle member and pivots with the cradle member relative to the support member and vertical post.

Abstract: A tip to be placed on a fishing rod. Conventional fishing rods usually terminate in an “eye” or “roller” end on the fishing pole. A more proper term for the end attachment on a pole is a “terminal guide” rather than an “eye”. They are made in several sizes to fit various size shapes on fishing poles, however, they follow the industry standard of 64ths of an inch, i.e. a number four is {fraction (4/64)}ths inch hollow. A key innovation of the present invention is that it is conical (tapered) on the outside so that if the line did wrap around the tip, all that is necessary to get the line to unwrap is to hold the tip downward so gravity will unwrap the line as it peels off. The inside is hollow and shaped to fit the distal end of a fishing pole. Additionally, they are much thinner in cross section than all existing Terminal Guides that have an “eye” at the end.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for reducing the level of pollutants in the exhaust of an engine, comprising: operating the engine using as the fuel a water fuel emulsion; and contacting the exhaust gas from the engine with an oxidation catalyst.

Abstract: A method of making a liquid fuel from agricultural waste which may be animal manure, includes admixing agricultural waste with at least one material selected from the group consisting of hydrogen gas and water, at elevated pressure heating a mixture to about 300° C. to 400° C. for a predetermined time, subsequently cooling the mixture, and subsequently separating gas from liquid. The process produces a liquid fuel having a high heating BTU value per pound of fuel. The water preferably functions as both a solvent and the hydrogen donor for said agricultural waste. Corresponding apparatus is provided.

Abstract: A fuel additive composition comprising a solution or dispersion of an oil soluble metal carboxylate or metal complex derived from a compound of the formula: 1

Abstract: I claim a process for producing a superior fuel from biomass by first torrefying the biomass and then densifying it to make pellets, cubes or logs with the steps of: heating biomass to a temperature of 150-300 C and preferably to 200-280 C in a heating device, and densification of the resulting torrefied biomass in a device that compresses the hot biomass to make pellets, cubes or logs. The process can be partially or totally self heating by burning the gaseous products of torrefaction in the oven surrounding the torrefication apparatus. The energy required for size reduction after torrefaction is greatly reduced and the energy required for densification is also greatly reduced.

Abstract: Support system for trees and the like having a base adapted to be placed in the ground around the roots of a tree for directing the roots to grow in a downward direction, a socket on the base for supporting a post in a fixed position, a post which is mounted in socket and extends above the ground, a guide which is engagable between the post and a portion of the tree above the ground to train the tree for growth in a predetermined manner, and an irrigation system on the base for delivering water to the roots beneath the surface of the ground.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a pigment form or pigment concentrate comprising of an organic pigment, a growth-promoting additive, and optionally inorganic filler and/or an organic additive for coloring of seeds. Seeds colored by the dry pigment forms or pigment concentrates show homogeneous color and in some cases growth promotion effects.

Abstract: A portable plant container apparatus which can be worn by a user which allows constant monitoring of the growth of a plant. The portable plant container comprises a base and a cover secureable to a user which houses a living plant growing in a tissue culture medium. The apparatus is transparent allowing visual monitoring of the plant growth. The method of using the device provides for growing the plant in the device and then transplanting the plant into the soil of a larger container.

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: 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: 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 device for urging a door into a first position includes a spring apparatus (16) including a winding drum (22) having a conical outer peripheral surface (27) and a torsional spring (24) for imparting a relatively constant urging force to a cable 23 secured to the door in the direction of the first position.

Abstract: A rear gate is constructed to be opened and closed by a driving unit installed on a vehicle body side, and the driving unit is constructed to have a motor which can rotate both in normal and reverse directions, a gearbox to which a pinion is pivotally attached for reducing the rotating speed of the motor for output, and a rack adapted to reciprocate in directions normal to an axial direction of a hinge shaft by virtue of the rotation of the pinion and connected to the rear gate at one end thereof. An electromagnetic clutch for connecting and disconnecting a power transmission path between an output shaft of the motor and the pinion is provided in the interior of the gearbox, so that the rack is disposed above or below the gearbox at a position directly above or below the clutch.

Abstract: A mineral core for a door includes a substantially planar slab having a front face, a rear face, and top, bottom and side edges; a plurality of grooves formed in at least one of said front and rear faces, each groove having a reinforcing strip secured therein.

Abstract: The downspouts attach to the building by flanges extending from the downspout. The downspouts are attachable to standard gutters and elbows. At the corner of a building, downspouts are attachable to each wall forming the corner and an insert extends between the two downspouts to create a seamless appearance. Siding, brick, or other wall covering for the building extends from the downspouts. Downspouts also can be used in a corner or building, the inside corner of a building having a pair of flanges attachable to the building. Also, the downspouts can be attachable to a post, such as on a porch. The downspout may also contain a right-angle turn. In a right-angle turn, a trap is provided for the easy cleaning of the vertical downspout.

Abstract: A door suspension assembly includes a ferromagnetic flat plate horizontally extending from a support rail adapted to be attached to a door frame above a doorway or entrance portal. Two supporting blocks each have an opening in which a cylindrical bearing with an axial hole is located. The supporting blocks are attached to a door panel. Connectors extend downwardly from the flat plate and support a tube that extends through the holes in the bearings. A magnet array is supported by an upper plate attached to upper ends of the supporting blocks with a small magnetic gap between the magnet array and the flat plate such that the magnet array generates a magnetic force lifting the supporting blocks and the door panel. A primary of a linear motor is attached to the upper plate between the supporting blocks and cooperates with a secondary located in the interior of the tube to move the door panel relative to the flat plate.

Abstract: A flashing providing directional vanes, ribbing, scoring or etchings on its working surface which is suitable for joining, or providing backing for, sections of roofing materials, sections of exterior wall material, particularly at corners, and sections of the walls of a bathtub or shower stall and causes accumulated moisture flow to be directed inwardly toward a moisture drainage point for the flashing rather than outwardly toward the surrounding building structure.

Abstract: A stackable building wall unit adapted to be stacked with a plurality of identical building wall units in a plane to form a wall comprising three rectangular panels each including inner and outer faces, a pair of spaced apart long edges, and a pair of spaced apart short edges joined to the short edges of the other two panels to form a triangular, stackable building wall unit which can be stacked with the exterior surfaces of the panels in abutting relation. The exterior face of at least one of the panels includes a female recess therein for receiving a complementally formed key to facilitate alignment and preclude relative shifting of the stacked units in a direction extending between said long edges between the long edges. The key may suitably comprise a complementally formed male projection extending outwardly from another panel of an abutting unit.

Abstract: A monument marker (10) broadly comprises an ornament (14) for providing an aesthetic display, a pedestal (22) for supporting the ornament (14), a mirror (24) secured to the pedestal (22) for reflecting light onto the ornament (14), a light source (16) for generating the light, and a power source (18) for providing power to the light source (16). The ornament (14) is preferably semitransparent thereby allowing the light from the light source (16) to permeate and refract therethrough. The pedestal (22) is preferably hollow and preferably opens thereby allowing the pedestal (22) to contain one or more mementos. For example, the pedestal (22) may contain the mementos in the form of sports memorabilia, such as golf balls and/or baseball cards. Alternatively, the pedestal (22) may be solid and molded around the mementos and/or the mirror (24).

Abstract: Tethering stakes of the nature intended to be pounded flush with or below ground level. Certain of the tethering stakes include a cap on the pounding end which is adapted for ease of placement and release of a tethering line. Accordingly, the tethering line can be removed from the stake when it is to be pounded into the ground and then engaged with the stake only when tethering is desired. Certain of the embodiments include caps having uniquely shaped apertures for securing the tethering line. Another includes an aperture in communication with an aperture in the stake such that a lead cable or the like may be moved out of the way when the stake is pounded into the ground and may be fully received within the stake when tethering is not desired. Another embodiment employs a coupler passing through an aperture directly beneath the pounding surface to facilitate ease of attachment and removal of the tethering line.

Abstract: A foundation system 50 for supporting a support beam 80 of a manufactured home and for preventing longitudinal movement of the beam; beam 80 having a longitudinal axis defining the longitudinal direction. Ground support pan 52 including blades 57 for insertion in the ground for preventing horizontal movement and a bracket 61 pivotably connecting lower ends 73 of a pair of rigid arms 70 substantially to the longitudinal middle of pan 53 such that arms 70 form a V. Each upper end 76 of arms 70 is pivotably attached to a clamp 10 clamped to beam 80 such that the clamp 10 cannot move along beam 80.

Abstract: A shutter for covering a window that includes a rigid member and a foam body. The foam body has a shutter form and is adjacent to at least one side of the rigid member. A hard impervious coating surrounds the foam body and the rigid member. A structure allows the shutter to move between a first position and a different second position. A lock selectively holds the shutter in the first position.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a window perimeter frame and a window panel frame form a first exterior water flow-restrictor between the window perimeter frame and the window panel frame that forms an outer airloop that is maintained at the same pressure as the environment exterior to the building. A water restrictor and an air seal are provided between the airloop and the building interior such that the air seal does not have to cope with water from the exterior environment. Similar water restrictors and air seals are placed in between the window perimeter frame and building as well as between the window frame and window panel. A splined male member slidably placed in a female joint area attaches the perimeter frame to the window panel frame allowing relative displacement between the perimeter frame and panel frame member and installation of the frames from the interior of a building.

Abstract: A single-tracked window having slidable doors including a sash, a right door and a left door, wherein the sash comprises an upper frame and a lower fame structured with a groove of a wide groove body and a narrow opening; and each of the doors comprises an upper part, a lower part, an outside jamb and an inside jamb, wherein the inside jambs meeting at the engagement of the doors are both formed to be a wedge shape to match each other, a strip-shaped upper track and lower track respectively positioned in the upper part and lower part of each door at the same side protrude into the relative grooves of the upper frame and the lower frame of the sash, each tack of any one of the door being parallel to the corresponding one of the other door and adjacent to one side of the groove opening; a horizontal returning castor having an elastic arm and a horizontal departing castor are positioned on the front end and rear end of each upper track and lower track at the sides having wide groove body thereof; an erected supp

Abstract: A glide assembly for a space-dividing wall panel arrangement including a housing which is mounted within a lower open end of an upright support element associated with a wall panel assembly, and a stem which projects downwardly from the housing for supportive engagement with a floor. The housing includes a lock plate which defines thereon projections which wedgingly engage within correspondingly located openings in the support element. Tabs are provided on the support element which are deformed during assembly so as to engage the respective projections and prevent disengagement of the glide assembly from the support element.