Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention contemplated herein describe a contoured skate boot having contour seams formed therein for introducing preferential biases in the boot material. By strategically creating notches in the boot upper material and subsequently rejoining the edges of each notch, the boot upper may be biased to conform to the complex contours of a skater's foot and ankle. Moreover, by introducing boot contours such that the boot is able to closer approximate the natural contours of a skater's foot, fewer stiffeners and less padding is required to result in a comfortable fit while providing increased control of the boot. Additionally, by reducing the quantity of stiffeners and volume of padding, a lighter boot is provided, thus resulting in a more efficient energy transfer from the skater through the skate.

Abstract: An improved snowshoe (49, 138, 220) having a binding (105) attachable to a flotation platform (51). The snowshoe (49, 138, 220) may be adjusted to accommodate to changes in snow conditions and terrain while on a snowshoe excursion. Certain embodiments permit quick removal of the binding (105) from the platform (51) for use as a detached walking crampon (203). Certain platforms (51) may be adjusted in size to present a plurality of footprint sizes to ssnow.

Abstract: A plow is supported for movement with respect to a frame of a vehicle with a lifting cylinder and a rolling cylinder. The lifting cylinder and the rolling cylinder are pivotally connected with respect to each other by a bracket that is pivotally supported by the frame. By this connection, the rolling cylinder can freely rotate with the bracket, thus increasing the plow displacement in both a raised and lowered position without adversely affecting the aggressivity of the plow while grooming terrain.

Abstract: The invention comprises a work vehicle, a boom attached to the vehicle, a tool pivotally attached to the boom, an actuator for controllably moving the tool about its pivot, and an angular velocity sensor for sensing the angular velocity of the tool. A controller is adapted to perform a tool auto-hold function, automatically maintaining an initial tool orientation by processing the angular velocity data and commanding movement of the tool actuator to hold the angular velocity at zero. The controller is adapted to discontinue the tool auto-hold function when the operator manipulates a tool command input device affecting tool actuator movement, and resume the tool auto-hold function at the new orientation affected by the operator. Manipulation of an auto-hold command input device allows the operator to selectively enable and disable the tool auto-hold function.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit of an excavating and slewing working vehicle of two pump system, wherein a directional control valve for slewing and a directional control valve for arm are tandem-connected to the upstream side and downstream side of the delivery oil passage of a second hydraulic pump, respectively, a directional control valve for bucket are connected to the delivery oil passage of a first hydraulic pump, and then a bleed switching valve connected, through a check valve between the directional control valve for slewing and the directional control valve for arm and switched to connect to or disconnect from a tank on the upstream side of the check valve and the directional control valve for slewing are operated interlockingly with each other.

Abstract: An excavating adapter/tooth point assembly has an interfit configuration in which the front end surface of the adapter base has a curved front surface portion that slidingly and complementarily engages a facing curved rear end surface portion of the tooth point. The adapter nose received in the tooth point pocket is somewhat smaller in cross-section that the pocket to permit a limited vertical rocking movement of the point relative to the adapter nose, about a connector structure captively retaining the point on the adapter nose, while transferring rearwardly directed excavating loads on the point to the curved sliding adapter/point interface area. Top and bottom sides of a rear end portion of the point have curved ear projections which extend rearwardly and outwardly along the adapter base and function as built-in wear guards that protect underlying surface portions of the adapter base.

Abstract: A three dimensional promotional item erected from a single sheet of material and collapsible back thereto. A single sheet of material includes a bottom panel foldably attached to a front panel which is foldably attached to an intermediate panel which is foldably attached to a back panel. The intermediate panel is releasibly engagable with the bottom panel and the back panel is releasibly engagable with the intermediate panel.

Abstract: An article, particularly a peripheral for a computer system, such as a card reader, a hub or a keypad, may be provided at a suitable position on a case thereof with a separated space to contain one or two decorative liquids, floating ornaments bearing advertising words and/or designs, miniature landscapes, etc., so that the separated space forms an integral part of the case of the article. The decorative liquids and the floating ornaments in the separated space create dynamic advertising effect without affecting the designed function of the article.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for illuminating a banner, flag, or pennant, in addition to illuminating substantially the entire length of a support, such as a flagpole. In the preferred embodiment, a lighting element is placed inside a partially or wholly translucent support, thereby illuminating the support as well as the banner.

Abstract: An illuminated identification system comprises a light chamber, a lighting means, an opaque identification stencil, a flashing means, a power on/off switch for the lighting means, and an on/off switch for the flashing means. The light chamber is environmentally sealed, and has one surface which is non-opaque. The lighting means is in series with a power source, and is located in the light chamber. The opaque identification stencil is placed over the non-opaque light chamber surface. When the power switch and the flashing means are both on, the flashing means causes the lighting means to flash on and off. Further, the power switch, and/or the on/off switch for the flashing means, may be operated by remote control.

Abstract: An identification tab which is particularly suitable for use with a suspension folder. The tab has a rigid flat writing surface, which is overlaid by a transparent window in a first configuration and which is exposed for writing on a second configuration. The writing surface and the window are connected together so as to not, in either the first or second configuration, be separated from one another but to be separable if need b without destroying their integrity.

Abstract: A device for displaying at least one picture includes a support member and a plaque. The plaque includes a plate member and an adhesive layer on a side of the plate member for adhering the picture to the plate member. A swivel suspends the plaque from the support member so that the plaque freely moves like a mobile. Preferably, the plaque includes an adhesive layer on each side so that pictures can be mounted on each side of the plaque.

Abstract: A rifle or gun steady shot sling device that is coupled to a rifle or gun or other hand-held firearms used mainly for offhand shooting. The sling strap is fastened to a mount that is affixed to the barrel part of the stock of a rifle or gun. The steady shot sling device has a sling strap that includes an elongated sling and/or a butt sling. The elongated sling has its length adjustable middle portion extended to form a looped portion proximal the barrel and the support hand of the user. In one form of the device the elongated sling is coupled with a retractable strap releasably secured within a retractor. In operation, the elongated sling has its length increased and is unclipped from the butt of the rifle, and the user stands on the free end. The support hand is raised to aim the rifle or gun and causes an increase in tension along the length of the extended elongated sling. This tension helps to steady the support hand and reduces or eliminates the upward recoil action of the firearm when fired.

Abstract: A transport container with a removable cover which is repeatedly removable and refastenable to the transport container. The transport container is sized to accommodate a plurality of individual premeasured charges of gunpowder. Each of the plurality of individual premeasured charges of gunpowder comprises a tube which is open at least one end thereof and the at least one open end of the tube is sealed with a removable cap once a suitable quantity of the loose granular charge of gunpowder is loaded therein. Each individual premeasured charge of gunpowder is loaded with gunpowder which has a relatively low moisture content to facilitate reliable and substantially complete ignition of all of the gunpowder ignition, upon detonation of a firearm.

Abstract: An assembly (10) having an outer barrel (12) and an inner barrel (30) having a pair of dissimilar sized bearings (38, 40) which are press fit within the outer barrel (12) and which permit the inner barrel (30) to mechanically rotate by the use of a motor assembly (50), a gear assembly (52), a battery (92), a gear (36), and a switch (54) having a depressible plunger (56) and a method for increasing the accuracy of a paint projectile by use of the assembly 10.

Abstract: A dispenser for scents and aromas is disclosed. The dispenser includes at least one pad that is impregnated with a scent material. The pad is fitted in two opposing segments that fit together in a telescoping manner that form an airtight seal to prevent the scent material from evaporating or leaking. The segments are connected by a flexible strap that also serves as a hanger for the dispenser when it is deployed to dispense the scent material.

Abstract: A fishing device 1, for automatically hooking a fish, has a spring 23 that can be tautened and held in a taut condition by a blocking device 37. An end of the spring 23 is coupled to a hook 27 behind which a fishing line, coming from a fishing rod, can be hooked. The fishing line also runs over a sensor 47. If a fish bites the fishing line is pulled taut and the sensor 47 lifts the blocking of the spring 23. Thus the spring 23 loosens, and the hook 27 gives a pull to the fishing line and the fish is hooked. During the hooking the fishing line is held in place by a clamping device 53, and after the fish is hooked the fishing line is released. Thus the reel of the fishing rod can continually stay in the slip position to prevent the fishing rod from being pulled into the water by the fish, to facilitate quick catching of the fish without first having to remove the reel from the blocking position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a means (1) for transporting a line (3) and any bait (2) attached to the line to the spot of fishing. The frame (11) of the transporting means (1) comprises two elongated guide branches (11b; 11b′;11b″) connected by a support member (11a) . The transporting means (1) is actuated by means of a water-jet engine (4) provided in the guide branches (11). The line (3) is releasably connected to the line guide (5) of the transporting means (1). The transporting means has a receiver (7), which can be provided with control commands by means of a control means (6). The invention also relates to a means for controlling the transporting means, which is connected to the pole (8; 81) of the fishing device.

Abstract: A flying safety net device has a first post, a second post, a main net, a first main rope, a center rope, a second main rope, a first lateral rope, a second lateral rope, a first main loop, a second main loop, a third main loop, a fourth main loop, a first auxiliary loop, and a second auxiliary loop. The main net has a plurality of upper fringe thread sections, a plurality of lower fringe thread sections, a large number of netting thread sections, a large number of netting loops, and a large number of meshes. The first main rope passes through the upper fringe thread sections of the main net. The second main rope passes through the lower fringe thread sections of the main net. The center rope passes through a middle portion of the main net.

Abstract: The invention relates to low-temperature-stabilized additives for fuel oils having a sulfur content of up 0.

Abstract: This invention provides a tray liner that is insertable into a mushroom-growing tray. This invention provides a tray liner that provides protection to the mushroom-growing tray by eliminating direct contact of the growing medium or compost with the trays' interior wood The tray liner has a rectangular base member with a periphery of upstanding sidewalls joined to the base portion. There is a notch section located at each corner of the rectangular base member that accommodates an upstanding corner frame member located at each corner of the wooden mushroom growing tray. The notch section has a contiguous wall that is joined with the periphery of upstanding sidewalls and the base member. An alternative embodiment is to provide a replaceable mushroom growing tray liner that comprises a plurality of sections.

Abstract: A stand for plants or trees having a self-watering device coupled thereto is disclosed. The self-watering device comprises a reservoir that is fluidically coupled to a support container in which the plant or tree is secured. The top of the reservoir is positioned below the top of the support container such that when water is placed in the reservoir and allowed to flow into the support container, the support container will not overflow. The conduit between the reservoir and the support container may be of any useful length but is preferably long enough to extend beyond the foliage of the plant or tree so as to permit easy access to the reservoir. A bottle or other container may be inverted and placed in the reservoir to provide an extended supply of water to the self-watering device.

Abstract: The invention concerns a bag for transporting flower bouquets or plants. It comprises a support for receiving the bouquet or the plant, forming the bottom of the bag, and two substantially parallel lateral portions comprising at least one cutout over at least one of the lateral portions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for growing a plant in a grower's container having an aesthetically pleasing appearance without the use of a decorative container cover when a grown plant contained in the grower's container is on display. The apparatus and method include providing a grower's container, cleaning at least a portion of the grower's container to provide a clean area on which a decorative sticker is applied, disposing growing medium and a floral grouping in the floral grouping retaining space of the decorative grower's container, feeding and watering the floral grouping until it matures to a size desired for marketing, and the decorative grower's container so that the decorative pattern disposed thereon is visible when on display.

Abstract: A floral sleeve sized to contain a pot or floral grouping, the floral sleeve having a rigid bottom member which can be folded down from a flattened position to an open position for forming a rigid bottom in the floral sleeve. The floral sleeve may comprise a detachable upper portion, a skirt portion, a bottom gusset and/or side gussets.

Abstract: Wrappers and sleeves for floral groupings formed from a material constructed of a layer of cloth and a layer of polymeric film wherein at least a portion of the layer of polymeric film is laminated to the layer of cloth, as well as methods for forming same, are disclosed herein.

Abstract: An apparatus which is capable of supporting a process for gasifying a variety of hydrocarbon-containing materials. The resulting hydrogen-containing gas is suitable for use in various combustion processes and for petrochemical processes. A hydrocarbon-containing material is mixed with natural gas (or other suitable hydrocarbon gas) under pressure. The suspended material and gas are then injected under pressure into an acceleration/gasification tube. Intense heat (provided by an external energy source) is applied to the mixture as it travels through this tube, resulting in the cracking of the hydrocarbon chains and the release of additional energy. The released bond energy, along with the addition of the external energy, rapidly expands the gas and causes the velocity of the moving mixture to rise sharply as it proceeds down the tube. The acceleration/gasification tube is connected to a diffuser, which is essentially an expansion nozzle with a series of heat exchangers to cool the rapidly expanding gas.

Abstract: A system is shown for injecting a chemical, such as an odorant, from a chemical supply into a fluid containing system such as a natural gas pipeline. A tank of odorant is maintained under a positive pressure which exceeds that of the pipeline. An injection conduit communicates the odorant tank with the pipeline. A precise control flow valve, located within the injection conduit, meters odorant to be injected into the pipeline. The odorant is metered on a dropwise basis with individual drops of chemical being counted as they pass through the flow valve into the injection conduit and into the natural gas pipeline.

Abstract: A sliding door for selectively opening and closing an opening is disclosed. The door comprises a first guide track defining a first linear guide path and a second guide track defining a second linear guide path. The second guide track is spaced from the first guide track. The door further comprises a door panel having a top edge, a bottom edge, a leading edge and a trailing edge. The door panel is adapted to translate laterally relative to the opening between a closed position and an open position. A first portion of the door panel is attached to the first guide track and a second portion of the door panel is attached to the second guide track.

Abstract: A guide system for guiding a window glass of a vehicle includes a guide rail and a guide. The guide includes a shaft to be attached to the window glass; a base as one part of a component divided in a widthwise direction of the vehicle and contacting an inner surface of the guide rail at an inner side of the vehicle; and a slider slidably attached to the base as the other part of the component and contacting an inner surface of the guide rail at an outer side of the vehicle. An elastic member is disposed between the base and the slider for pressing the slider toward the outside of the vehicle.

Abstract: A slider (25) is mounted on a rail (23) laid on a slide door (21) to support a door-side end of a stretching part (31) of a cable transferred from a vehicle body (28) toward the slide door (21). The cable transferred toward the slide door (21) is introduced into a cable guide (27) and guided between the slider (25) and a fixing member (35). The cable guide (27) is formed by coupling a plurality of pieces (39) to undergo a bending deformation substantially in a plane, and takes up a slack of the cable while stabilizing the shape of the slackened cable.

Abstract: A polishing composition comprising an abrasive, an acid and/or a salt thereof, and water, wherein copper (Cu) is contained in an amount of 1 mg or less per kg of the polishing composition; a process for reducing a surface defect of a substrate comprising applying to a substrate or a polishing pad a polishing composition comprising an abrasive, an acid and/or a salt thereof, and water, wherein copper (Cu) is contained in an amount of 1 mg or less per kg of the polishing composition fed to the substrate or the polishing pad; and a process for manufacturing a substrate comprising a polishing step comprising applying to a substrate or a polishing pad the above polishing composition.

Abstract: A gutter and cover system mounts at an edge of a roof to collect water into the gutter without other debris. The system includes a combination gutter and cover made from a monolithic element. The gutter includes a front, bottom and rear extending up to the cover, which extends over the gutter. The cover has a pooling section and a front, curving edge. The pooling section slows down the flow of water and allows it to flow over the curving edge and adhere to the cover due to surface tension while debris falls outside of the gutter. A support element slides inward to provide support for the cover and a front face of the gutter. The support element includes structure for receiving mounting hardware.

Abstract: An office furniture system including at least one modular wall panel, a work surface attached to the at least one modular wall panel and a spill tolerant outlet coupled with the work surface. The spill tolerant outlet including a housing having a side and an opposite side, a plurality of electrical terminals accessible through the side and at least one fluid drain opening in the opposite side.

Abstract: The automobile protection system for a multiple car garage comprises a cushion positioned between parking spaces of the garage, which cushion is suspended and sized to extend at least along the length of doors of cars parked in the spaces to keep the door of one car from striking the adjacent car when opened. Further, the cushion is suspended in a manner so as not to interfere with operation of an overhead door of the garage.

Abstract: A mobile elevating hut product, which has a trailer, a platform, legs connecting the platform and the trailer, and a lifter for sequentially and repeatably moving the platform to and from a raised position. The trailer enables the product to be moved to different locations and set up with the platform in the raised position. The platform in the raised position is freestanding and fully supported by the legs. The freestanding, fully supported platform is resistant to accidental and unexpected lowering caused by transient events. The platform in the raised position provides an elevated lookout perch for work, recreation, and other purposes.

Abstract: A rust-proof window well manufactured from a composite material. The window well may have integrally formed steps to assist in egress from inside the well. Walls forming the well typically are ¼ inch thick, or greater. While generally made with a spray-up process from a glass/epoxy composite, the well may be manufactured from a variety of composite materials with corresponding manufacturing techniques.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention concerns a process for forming an elongated strip for use in making two tone muntin bars. An elongated strip of muntin bar material is provided that has been treated on at least a portion of one side to define an exposed surface of a completed muntin bar fabricated from the muntin bar material. An elongated strip of covering material is also provided for controlled application onto a specified portion of a surface of the muntin bar material. The elongated strip of covering material includes an adhesive for adhering the covering material to the muntin bar material. The muntin bar material and the covering material are brought into contact with each other thereby causing the covering material to overlie and adhere to the muntin bar material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for coupling separate series or stacks of structural or shear walls of a multistory building are disclosed. The method comprises constructing a plurality of stacks of shear walls and attaching a rigid coupling member to the top of at least two of the stacks of shear walls between the stacks such that the walls are connected to the rigid coupling member and move together with the coupling member. The apparatus is a rigid coupling member, which may be a beam, such as an I-beam or rectangular beam, made from poured concrete and reinforcing steel. The coupling member may also be a wall of poured concrete and reinforcing steel. The attached rigid member acts to connect the tops of independent stacks of shear walls typically used to build multistory buildings, thereby creating a flexural moment at the top of the building that helps the building resist lateral loads.

Abstract: A baseboard assembly is designed for installation in a junction region where a lower edge of a generally vertical wall meets a side edge of a generally horizontal floor. The assembly includes a base portion and a top portion. The base portion has a back surface and an opposed front surface. The base portion also has a lower end and an upper end. The base portion is configured to be positioned in the junction region, with the back surface against the wall and the lower end adjacent the floor. The upper end of the base portion is sloped downwardly from the front surface to the back surface. The top portion has a back surface and an opposed front surface. The top portion also has a lower end and an upper end. The lower end of the top portion is sloped downwardly from the front surface to the back surface. The top portion has an installed position wherein the back surface is adjacent the wall and the sloped lower end is adjacent the sloped upper end of the base portion.

Abstract: The upper end portion of a sheet-metal stud (14) fits upwardly into a channel space (22) formed within an upper channel member (10). The lower end of the stud (14) fits within a lower channel space (30) formed in a lower channel member (12). The upper end portion of the stud (14) includes a longitudinal slot (48) on each of its sides. Screw fasteners (52) extend through the side walls (16, 18) of the upper channel member (10) and then extend into and through the slots (48). These screws (52) include a head (54) a threaded shank portion (60) and a non-threaded shank portion (62) between the head (54) and the threaded shank portion (60). The non-threaded shank portion (62) is narrower than the slot (48) and is sized to slide relatively up and down in the slot (48). The non-threaded portion (62) of the shank (58) has an axio length d measured between the inside surface of the head (54) and a confronting surface of an end thread (64).

Abstract: A door for a ticket gate is disclosed. The door is composed of a metal plate as a core material and a cushioning material covering the metal plate. The metal plate defines at least one through-hole therein. The cushioning material comprises expanded polyolefin plates, and the metal plate and the expanded polyolefin plates have been integrated together by arranging the polyolefin plates on opposite sides of the metal plate, respectively, and then press molding them together.

Abstract: An masonry anchor is disclosed for anchoring two spaced apart masonry walls together to form a single wall structure. The masonry anchor includes a ladder or truss type support frame for positioning on top of a mortar joint in one wall, and a bracket having a pair of elongate arms connected by a cross-member affixed to the support frame. The cross-member is angled for providing two spaced apart points on the cross-member for contacting the support frame and affixing the cross-member thereto. The elongate arms extend transversely from the support frame and are sized to extend into the space between the two walls. Each of the arms have an eye portion formed at the end opposite the cross-member to receive a connecting member connected to the second wall. The support frame and the bracket reside in the same horizontal plane.

Abstract: A fire barrier transition (10,110,210,310) comprises a first section (130,230,330) to mate with a first fire barrier (14) in a first expansion joint (16), a second section (132,232,332) to mate with a second fire barrier (18) in a second expansion joint (20), and a center section (134,234,334) therebetween to seal a gap (12) between the barriers (14,18). The first section (130,230,330) and the second section (132,232,332) each present either a convex or a concave cross-section with two sidewalls (136,236,336) and a bight section (138,238,338) therebetween. Thus, the transition (10,110,210,310) preferably presents a specific shape with the first section (130,230,330) and the second section (132,232,332) each presenting channels aligned at an angle between the joints (16,20). The barriers (14,18) can slide between the sidewalls (136,236,336) and engage the bight sections (138,238,338), thereby mating with and sealing to the first section (130,230,330) and the second section (132,232,332).

Abstract: An expansion joint cover (10) broadly comprises a cover plate (38) to cover an expansion joint (12) between a first and second surface (14,16), an anchor assembly (40) to secure the plate (38) to the first surface (14), an insert (46) to protect the second surface (16), and one or more resilient bushings (48) to isolate the plate (38) from the anchor assembly (40). Under adverse conditions, such as during seismic events, the surfaces (14,16) may move significantly with respect to one another, thereby causing the plate (38) to slide over the second surface (16) and the insert (46) and deform the bushings (48). Thus, the flexibility of the plate (38), the durability of the insert (46), and the resilience of the bushings (48) all cooperate to allow the cover (10) to minimize stresses otherwise transferred to the anchor assembly (40).

Abstract: The subject invention is a sealing system for a building structure to protect the building foundation from moisture penetration, said system comprising a layer of waterproof lining placed under the foundation and adjacent to the outer walls of the foundation or the basement structure, such lining being basically a covering over and around the foundation to protect the walls and bottom of the foundation from infiltration of moisture and water.

Abstract: A portable collapsible shelter is provided which collapses into a standard ISO shipping container which can be handled by self-loading vehicles and which can be expanded to form a shelter by providing fold-down side walls which extend the floor space of the container and a cover to enclose the extended space.

Abstract: A shingle ridge cover is formed from a rectangular sheet of shingle roofing material back folded on itself to provide a central thickened portion for the shingle ridge cover. An upper portion of lesser thickness provides a nailing margin for the shingle ridge cover, and cooperates with a centrally-located thickest portion of the shingle ridge cover to provide a safety space to allow for “pop up” of the roofing nails or fasteners. A lower portion of the shingle ridge cover overlies the thickened upper portion of a preceding shingle ridge cover as installed on a roof, and cooperates with the preceding shingle ridge cover so that they together provide three layers of protective shingle sheet material over all portions of a hip, ridge, or rake of a roof on which the shingle ridge covers are installed.

Abstract: A wind-resistant shingle and a method of making it is provided in which the rear surface of the shingle is provided with an attached reinforcement layer, which resists upwardly wind-applied bending torque when the shingle is installed on a roof, such that the failure of the shingle when it is bent beyond its elastic limit, is resisted until the shingle has absorbed a high percentage of applied torque.

Abstract: A multiple-layer laminated shingle and a method of making the shingle are provided, in which at least one adhesive of high temperature resistance is applied for securing the shingle layers together, to reduce reliance on a roofer having to fasten (via nails, staples or the like) through a narrow headlap zone of a posterior shingle layer in order to secure the posterior shingle layer to a roof, such that a vertically wide portion of the headlap area of the anterior shingle layer is presented to the roofer as a nailing zone.