Abstract: A fixed pin bow sight is comprised of a bow sight having an attachment portion, a sight pin mounting portion and a sight pin having a plurality of sight tips on said sight pin. Each of the sight tips are predisposed on the sight pin and spaced to provide accurate targeting of an arrow shot from a bow having a particular shooting speed. The spacing between sight tips is defined by the desired targeting distances from the bow. For example, the uppermost sight tip may be configured for a target that is twenty yards away with subsequent sight tips provided for ten yard increments (e.g., 30, 40, 50 and 60 yards). The sight tips are configured to be vertically aligned relative to the ground when firing the bow so that as the distance from target is increased the appropriate sight tip moves from top to bottom of the sight pin.

Abstract: A bow sight system includes a bow sight assembly adjustably mounted to a base plate. The bow sight can include a conventional forward sight, such as a pin sight and a V shaped rear sight. Sighting through the V shaped rear sight groove will allow the archer to see the forward sight if the bow and archer are in proper alignment. A misalignment will cause the groove to obscure the archer's view of the forward sight preventing a misaligned shot. Unlike prior art peep sights, the V groove rear sight allows the archer to have an almost unlimited view of the target field such that the archer can quickly acquire a target. Illuminated alignment marks positioned on either side of the V groove ease the archer's ability to aim in low light conditions. The rear sight can also obscure unused pins of a multiple pin front sight and can also give an indication of target distance based on the number of pins of a multiple pin system visible.

Abstract: A spirit-level vial comprising a transparent vessel containing a globule of a first liquid suspended in a medium comprising a second liquid, wherein said transparent vessel is essentially completely filled by said medium, and wherein said globule is capable of moving freely through said medium in response to changes in the spatial orientation of said transparent vessel.

Abstract: A polar coordinate-based profilometer includes a base, a rotary stage, a linear stage, and a probe device. The rotary stage is mounted on the base and includes a rotary table rotatable about a vertical axis oriented orthogonal to the base. The linear stage is mounted on the rotary table and is rotatable therewith. The linear stage includes a linear slide member that is translatable along a radial axis orthogonal to the vertical axis. The probe device is mounted on the linear slide member and is translatable therewith. The probe device includes a probe tip that is linearly displaceable along the radial direction and communicates with a linear displacement-sensing transducer. Alternatively, the probe device scans an object without contacting the object. Methods are provided for measuring an object based on polar coordinates, and correcting for misalignment prior to measurement.

Abstract: A tape measure comprises a housing having a bottom surface and a front surface substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface. A front opening is formed through the front surface, a bottom opening is formed through the bottom surface, and a head seat is provided below the front opening to form a right angle with the bottom surface. A tape strip is elastically wound within the housing and a hook is attached to the outer end of the tape strip. A metallic plate is attached on the head seat and linearly aligned with the front surface of the housing.

Abstract: A gage assembly for measuring a distance d from an end edge of a blade segment to a center location of a groove formed in the segment comprising a gage body having at least two reference surfaces adapted to engage edges of the segment; a dial indicator gage having a dial and a stem, the stem passing through a portion of the gage body; and a slide gage adapted for insertion into the groove, the slide gage fitted with an element that, in use, aligns with the stem of the dial indicator gage.

Abstract: A small, portable fan having a spring-biased clamp at the base thereof. The clamp is adapted to mount to almost any surface on a conventional golf cart. The fan is provided with power cords having alligator clips at the ends thereof. The power cords can readily be connected to the battery of the golf cart, which battery is normally positioned under the seat of the cart. The fan can be mounted to and dismounted from the golf cart with ease.

Abstract: A hair dryer attachment system provides a dryer and a plurality of attachments. A fastening mechanism is provided so that multiple attachments are each securable to the generally circular or ovate dryer barrel using the same fastening technology. Each of the attachments forms part of the barrel, and when used with the preferred present shortened barrel, a so-called “standard-length” drier is provided which provides the additional benefits of the respective attachments, without being overly long so as to be cumbersome during use. Each attachment features an apron which is supported by the barrel and, with engagement formations on the barrel and complementary formations on the apron, the attachment is releasably secured to the barrel. Aeration barrel and finger/comb attachments are also provided.

Abstract: A drying apparatus including a body portion including an upwardly extending drying member which has an upper portion for holding an item of apparel, and a platform coupled to the body portion. The platform can be moved into a first, generally horizontal position over the drying member and can be moved into a second, non-horizontal position not over the drying member such that a user has access to the upper portion of the drying member. The drying apparatus can include an air freshener.

Abstract: A substrate drying system for drying substrates after the substrates are washed typically using deionized water. The substrate drying system comprises a substrate cleaning tank in which the substrates are washed. A dry pump is provided in fluid communication with the substrate cleaning tank. A container which contains a supply of a liquid drying fluid, typically isopropyl alcohol (IPA), is further provided in fluid communication with the substrate cleaning tank. In application, the dry pump induces a reduced pressure inside the substrate cleaning tank and the drying fluid container. This reduces the vapor pressure, and thus, the boiling point of the drying fluid, such that the drying fluid is vaporized and remains in a vaporized state throughout transit to the substrate cleaning tank and during drying of the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laundry treatment machine, more especially a washing machine or a laundry dryer, comprising a drivable drum which accommodates laundry and is rotatably mounted in a container integral with the housing, wherein the container is provided with an elastic sleeve, covering the transition from the front opening of the container to the housing opening, around the filler opening of the drum, and wherein a laundry rejector is attached in this transitional region in the region of the top dead center of the drum. For improvement purposes, a specially configured laundry rejector is provided in the region of the top dead center of the drum in conjunction with a receiving means in the sleeve in order to avoid laundry items from becoming damaged.

Abstract: A flow regulator formed by a three way valve and by an external adapter. The valve is joined to the pump located in the heel area of the shoe soles, as normally used in ventilating systems, and the adapter basically permits the adjustment of the whole system to a wide number of sizes.

Abstract: A boot has a cavity located in the bottom of the sole and a sole plate that releasably fits within this cavity. A tab located on the toe end of the sole piece fits into a slot located in the sidewall of the cavity to hold the toe end of the sole plate in the cavity. A strap is attached to the heel end of the sole plate and extends to an attachment device located on the back of the boot. The attachment device places the strap in tension to hold the heel end of the sole plate in the cavity.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for providing a shoe having an outsole with a top surface and a bottom surface, an anchoring mechanism placed between the top surface and the bottom surface, an upper connected to the outsole, and a fastener extending from the upper to the anchoring mechanism for securing the upper to the outsole.

Abstract: I came up with the idea of the built in air bubble sole to cushion and comfort the heel of the foot better; whereas, the prior shoe designs lacked the comfort zone in the heel of the shoe.

Abstract: A football boot with a zip replacing laces. Easy on/off capability and no time wasted due to tying and retying laces.

Abstract: A shoe having ankle support for preventing an unwanted ankle movement during a predetermined activity comprises a support piece having an ankle support and legs extending downwardly from the ankle support where the legs are removably inserted down in a pocket formed on an outer surface of an ankle side shoe portion. The shoe further comprising a heal support pad embedded in the foot cover member extending around the heel of a wearer, a cap covering the ankle support of the support piece, and a cover band extending over each pocket and cap to secure the cap.

Abstract: An article of footwear for use in playing soccer or other activities that require kicking and/or handling of a ball by a player's feet. The article of footwear has a ball control region comprised of a series of raised geometric protrusions which give the player grip and purchase on the ball. The ball control region is formed of three interrelated layers. Each layer is formed of a separate material with a distinct function. The outer layer is comprised of a material which deforms easily and acts to attract and slow the ball during handling by the player. The inner middle layer is comprised of a material that deforms but is harder and more resilient than the outer layer to enhance or over-emphasize a particular effect a player is trying to achieve with the ball. The core layer is comprised of a high tensile metal or plastic to provide a player with extra power and energy during power kicks.

Abstract: Footbeds for footwear, especially sandals, are formed from weldable plastic materials, such as industrial and commercial carpeting, and are provided with patterns welded into the material and with decorative prints or patterns welded to the physical patterns. The footbeds are very decorative in appearance and produce very saleable footwear products. A process for conveniently and economically producing the decorative footbeds is also disclosed.

Abstract: A slip-on footwear system including an upper that defines an elasticized gore in the heel portion of the footwear. In the heel portion of the footwear, one or more upper panels cooperate to define a recess, also referred to as a gore, which is bounded by a perimeter. An elastic panel is secured along the perimeter and cooperates with the one or more upper panels to further define an opening through which a foot is inserted into the upper. The elastic panel is stretchable and resilient so that when a user inserts their foot into the footwear, the gore opens-up, which in turn enlarges the opening. A heel flap may be secured to the upper panels in the heel region below the gore to conceal the gore and elastic panel, without inhibiting the stretch of the elastic panel. The heel flap may also add structural rigidity to the footwear.

Abstract: A method for the contactless scanning of a track bed profile extending perpendicularly to a longitudinal extension of the track, comprises the steps of simultaneously effectuating the scanning and a measurement of any deviation from a desired track level at a location of the scanning, recording the scanned track bed profile, and calculating an amount of ballast required for raising the track to the desired track level and for uniformly distributing the ballast in the track bed in dependence on the measured track level deviation and the recorded scanned track bed profile.

Abstract: A snowplow blade mount assembly mountable on a vehicle that includes a frame mount assembly which is affixed to a frame of the vehicle and a support assembly that connects to the frame mount assembly. The support assembly is designed to connect to a lift mount assembly and a blade mount assembly. The support assembly enables the blade mount assembly and/or lift mount assembly to be conveniently connected and disconnected from the vehicle.

Abstract: A greeting card including a front panel having a visible first greeting and an inside panel having a visible second greeting that is aligned with said first greeting in such a way as to allow selected identical characters of said second greeting to be viewed through multiple cutout windows in said front panel and complete said first greeting.

Abstract: A visual display apparatus for producing toroid rings of a first liquid within a second liquid is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a subtantially transparent viewing vessel for containing the second liquid. A variable volume chamber has an ejection orifice in fluid communication with the second liquid contained within the viewing vessel. An ejection means is also provided for varying the volume of the variable volume chamber, thereby to dispel an ejection slug of the first liquid from the ejection port, thereby producing a series of toroid rings which propagate through the viewing vessel. A control means is connected to the ejection means for controlling the operation of the ejection means. The operation of the control means may be such that it can be used to vary the volume and frequency of the ejection slugs emitted from the ejection orifice.

Abstract: A lighting fixture, in particular an exit sign luminaire or a similar instructive luminaire, which comprises a mounting housing (1) that is arranged to receive power supply (7) for a light source (5) of the luminaire and that is arranged for securing to a mounting base, such as a wall or a ceiling, and a sign part (2) that is arranged for securing in connection with the mounting housing (1). The mounting housing (1) is arranged to receive the light source (5) and the lighting fixture also comprises at least one optical fiber (6) arranged to transmit light, the first end (9) of which optical fiber is arranged in connection with the light source (5) in the mounting housing (1) and whose light-transmitting portion (8) is arranged in connection with the sign part (2) so as to illuminate it with light produced by the light source (5).

Abstract: A folding advertising surface for affixing to a railing, grab bar or pole having an outer surface is disclosed. The folding advertising surface comprises a body having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The first side has printed indicia forming a visual image. The folding advertising surface also comprises a releasable adhesive disposed on the second side of said body. The releasable adhesive is configured to adhere to the outer surface.

Abstract: The Dual Profile Pen Gun is a highly concealable, hand held firearm of novel design, commonly referred to as a pen gun, having the appearance and esthetics of a pen like instrument when in a neutral, non firing mode, and can only be fired by manipulating the gun out of its straight axial pen like position into an approximate (90 degree) right angle bend, so the handle of the gun is below and at an angle to the bore of the gun. In this position the weapon is in the ready to fire position and can be held safely in the palm of the hand, until either fired or put back into a straight neutral position. To fire, a safety ring must be twisted clockwise, aligning the breechblock aperture with the firing pin.

Abstract: The digital elevation knob is a digital replacement for a conventional elevation knob of a telescopic rifle sight. The knob is mounted to the rifle scope by a cylindrical body having a pair of flanges. The flanges are adapted for securing a microcomputer to the knob. A display screen is disposed on the front surface of the microcomputer. Inputs supply data to the microcomputer that processes the data. When the elevation knob is turned it turns a screw that is secured to a targeting element. The screw causes the targeting element to move vertically. A displacement sensor determines how much the targeting element has moved and sends a signal to the microcomputer. The input data and the information from the sensor are processed using trajectory programs and ballistic tables. The results of the data processing are projected on the display screen. The display informs the rifleperson of necessary adjustments.

Abstract: The invention provides a fish strike indicator releasably attached to a fishing line to indicate the direction a fish is swimming after it has taken the bait. The fish strike indicator includes a body and a connector and is releasably attachable to a fishing line for being suspended in air for sensing slack and tension in the line for multidirectional fish movement sensing and indication thereof. A releasable sensory indicator is present on the fish strike indicator to alert a fisherman by visual and/or audible means of a fish strike. Methods for using the fish strike indicator are also included.

Abstract: A fly fishing assembly includes a rod with a handle defined by an elongated sleeve mounted thereon and a cowl on one end of the sleeve for partially surrounding the rod in the vicinity of the reel to inhibit sliding of the hand of a user from the handle. By providing a flange on the bottom trailing end of the cowl, contact between the little finger of the hand holding the rod and the reel is prevented. Thus, the little finger can be positioned in front of the flange so that the caster can safely use it to lead the proper timing of casing.

Abstract: A sport fishing system having: a rod and reel, including fishing line; at least one fishing lure or natural bait; and a controlled released fish attractant for applying to the fishing lure or natural bait. The system may further include an applicator for applying the controlled released fish attractant to the fishing lure or natural bait. In the preferred embodiment, the controlled release fish attractant includes: an attractant and a substantially hydrophobic, film forming release agent.

Abstract: A container and method for storing and imparting a scent to an object. The container having an outer layer formed to define an object receiving space and fabricated of a moisture and gas barrier material. The container further having an inner layer having a scent incorporated therein such that, upon an object being disposed in the object receiving space, the scent of the inner layer is imparted to the object while the outer layer serves as a barrier to prevent surrounding objects from being contaminated with the scent.

Abstract: A bait station and method for introducing a bait composition to vertebrate pests which inhabit underground burrows or tunnels. The bait station includes a housing with one or more openings in the side walls for the pests to enter and feed on the bait composition. A vertical tube can be used to add bait composition to the station through an aperture in the top surface of the station.

Abstract: A termite bait station for installation in the ground includes a tubular outer housing and a tubular inner bait cartridge inserted into the housing, each having circumferentially elongate apertures therethrough to allow termites to access bait in the cartridge. Each aperture in the cartridge is disposed between a pair of spaced, parallel ribs that extend in the circumferential direction. The ribs reduce the radial gap that must be traversed by a termite passing from the outer housing to the bait cartridge. The ribs also form circumferentially extending channels for producing a channeling effect tending to lead termites into the apertures in the cartridge.

Abstract: A pest bait station includes a disposable carrier disposed in a reusable housing. Pest bait is securely affixed to the carrier such that movement of the station does not dislodge the bait from the carrier. A first bait affixed to a lower surface of the carrier exterminates smaller pests while a second bait affixed to an upper surface of the carrier exterminates larger pests. The carrier is shaped, such as a cone, to provide a lower space and an upper space for receiving differently sized pests. A lid of the housing is shaped to accommodate the shape of the cone. The lid is removably coupled to a base to form a water-tight seal. Openings formed in the base allow for entry of pests. A magnet or adhesive may be placed on a bottom side of the base to enable the station to be coupled to any surface.

Abstract: A wax composition comprising a high molecular weight aliphatic alcohol, a low molecular weight ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, at least one odorant, and a wax. The odorant is substantially retained in the wax composition when the wax composition is exposed to temperatures below a melting point of the wax composition. Furthermore, the odorant is emitted from the wax composition when the wax composition is exposed to temperatures at or above the melting point of the wax composition.

Abstract: A triacylglycerol based wax, which may be used to form container candles, is disclosed. The triacylglycerol-based wax includes a triacylglycerol component and a polyol fatty acid partial ester component. The triacylglycerol-based wax typically has a melting point of about 49° C. to 58° C. The triacylglycerol-based wax also generally has an Iodine Value of about 45 to 65. The triacylglycerol component tends to have a fatty acid composition including 5 to 13 wt. % 16:0 fatty acid. Further, the fatty acid composition generally comprises about 45 to 60 wt. % 18:1 fatty acid. The fatty acid composition also generally comprises about 30 to 45 wt. % 18:0 fatty acid. The wax preferably contains little or no paraffin and free fatty acid. The polyol partial ester component is preferably a glycerol monoester of palmitic and stearic fatty acids, and is commonly present as less than about 5 wt. % of the wax.

Abstract: A triacylglycerol based wax, which includes a triacylglycerol component and a polyol fatty acid partial ester component, and a candle made from a triacylglycerol based wax are provided. The triacylglycerol-based wax generally has a melting point of about 60° C. to 66° C. and an Iodine Value from 10 to 20. The triacylglycerol component generally has a fatty acid composition including about 5 to 15 wt. % 16:0 fatty acid. The triacylglycerol component generally has a fatty acid composition including about 75 to 85 wt. % total saturated fatty acid. Further, the triacylglycerol component generally has a fatty acid composition including about 65 to 80 wt. % 18:0 fatty acid. The wax can be made into particulates, and is generally free of paraffin and free fatty acids.

Abstract: Fuel compositions comprising primarily diethyl succinate as an oxygenation additive are described. The fuels can be diesel fuels which generate carbon based particulates in diesel engines. The result is reduced emissions of particulates from the diesel engines.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a monopropellant composition for propulsion and/or gas generation, comprising a solution of hydrazinium nitroformate (HNF) and/or ammonium dinitramide (ADN) in water and/or an alkanol.

Abstract: A portable incendiary apparatus. The apparatus may include a combustible container having an interior; a separator dividing the interior into a plurality of burn chambers; and, flammable contents contained within at least one of the burn chambers. The apparatus may include flammable contents; and, a combustible, substantially planar member holding the flammable materials and defining at least one extension positioned with respect to the materials so as to promote ignition of the flammable contents upon ignition of the apparatus. The apparatus may include a combustible container; a separator dividing the container into a plurality of burn chambers and partially extending from the container so as to facilitate ignition of the apparatus; and, at least one container extension for promoting ignition of the at least one firelog upon ignition of the apparatus and facilitating transporting of the apparatus.

Abstract: Solid agent for destroying soot and tars, which includes, aggregated and as base constituents: (a) an agent which is active with respect to soot and tars, (b) plant waste and (c) a binding agent, characterized in that the agent which is active with respect to soot and tars is present in a proportion of greater than 40% (dry weight).

Abstract: Apparatus for discharging thermal fog comprising a heating device incorporating a combustion chamber (2) and an outlet flue for discharging combustion gases from the combustion chamber, and a steam generating chamber (7) in heat exchange relationship with said combustion chamber and having a steam discharge outlet (13), whereby said combustion gases and said steam can, in use, be discharged in a mixture in a generally horizontal direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for covering vegetation in a cold or windy environment such that the vegetation is protected from frost. The cover includes a sheet of material that has a parameter edge. The parameter edge is folded to form piping and a weight is positioned within the piping to restrain the movement of the cover when the cover is in position over the vegetation.

Abstract: Described is a tree or shrub shaping guide comprising at least one elongated support positionable adjacent an object to be shaped; at least one shaped guide; and a connection mechanism connecting the shaped guide to the at least one elongated support, which comprises movement elements to allow the shaped guide to move relative to the at least one elongated support; wherein the at least one shaped guide allows movement along a shaped path and enables a user to operate a cutting mechanism to shape an object such as a tree or shrub.

Abstract: A system for remote monitoring of plants is provided. The system includes (a) at least one sensor positioned on, or in proximity to, a plant, the at least one sensor being for collecting data pertaining to at least one plant related parameter; (b) at least one user client being for receiving and optionally processing the data from the at least one sensor to thereby determine a state of the plant; and (c) a communication network being for communicating the data from the at least one sensor to the at least one user client.

Abstract: An irrigation system is provided in accordance with the present invention. The irrigation system is configured to distribute an irrigation fluid into a soil. The irrigation system comprising a first layer having a first aperture and a second layer that is secured to the first layer to form a fluid cavity for receiving the irrigation fluid. The second layer has a second aperture that is aligned with the first aperture to form a soil aperture, which is configured to pass at least a portion of the soil. The irrigation system also comprises a fluid distributor formed between the first layer and the second layer. The fluid distributor is configured to emit the irrigation fluid contained in the fluid cavity into the soil aperture such that that the irrigation fluid is distributed into the soil.

Abstract: The present invention is a modular system for packaging articles for shipment. In particular, a potted plant is placed in a cover, then automatically deposited into a protective sleeve. The potted plant thus packaged is ready for containment within a shipping carton. Various components of the system may be adapted for various packaging needs and circumstances.

Abstract: A plant packaging system and method comprising a combination of a protective upper portion and a decorative lower portion having a base portion and a skirt portion for packaging a potted plant or a botanical item and a growing medium without a pot. The protective upper portion can be detached from the lower portion of the package system once the protective function of the upper portion has been completed. The sleeve may be provided without a detachable upper portion. The lower portion may have a skirt portion which has a non-linear upper peripheral edge. The lower portion may be tapered and may have a gusset in the lower end.

Abstract: Flexible polymeric materials having a texture or appearance simulating the texture or appearance of cloth suitable for use in the formation of decorative flower pot covers are disclosed.