Abstract: An accessory item for a shoe comprising an anchor configured to removably attach to the foot, ankle or leg of a wearer, and a decorative article affixed to the anchor, the decorative article configured to mount to the anchor to enable the decorative article to appear integrated with a first portion of a shoe worn by the wearer. The same shoe may be interchangeably accessorized with multiple shoe accessories and multiple locations on the shoe either simultaneously or individually. The shoe accessory may be used to accessorize different shoes.

Abstract: An arrangement of an excavating chain for conveying ballast of a track bed comprises a guide comprising a transverse guide section articulately connected to longitudinal guide sections defining a guide channel having an end glide track along which the excavating chain is guided. The end glide track of the transverse guide section is curved around the joints connecting the ends of the transverse guide section to the adjoining longitudinal guide sections, the end glide track enclosing an acute dihedral angle ? with an imaginary plane of elongation of the end glide track of a respective one of the longitudinal guide sections whereby the excavating chain is deflected from the transverse to the longitudinal guide sections solely by contact with the end glide track.

Abstract: A solid steel retaining pin (D) has a stop member (E) on a lower end for limiting the extent to which the pin is moved upwardly through the recess (C) into the excavation teeth (A) and adapter during installation. An upper recess (B) is defined by a thickened conical upper surface of the bases of the teeth to protect the bolts (G) carried by upwardly extending shanks (F) during digging.

Abstract: Automated compact ironing press comprising a base (1) on which is articulated a pressing arm (2) bearing a heating plate (4) for co-operating with one of the two ironing boards (5,8) installed in the base. The press further comprises a pressing mechanism driven by an electric motor (9). The pressing arm comprises a resilient mean (16) connected to the pressing mechanism at one of its end that may be displaced by the electric motor from a position where the vertical component of the pressure force is minimised to a position where the pressure force is maximnised. The main ironing board (5) is pivoted on the base (1) thanks to connecting levers (6) and may occupy a retracted position in the base and a service position above the sleeve board (8) which is rigidly fixed to the base (1). The press further comprises a water tank and a water pump that is cinematically linked to and actuated by the pressing arm (2) for spraying water on the item to iron during the opening/closing of the pressing arm.

Abstract: A badge includes a guiding member disposed on a rear side surface of a badge body and confining a guiding groove, a holding member having a retained portion that is movable along the guiding groove and a holding portion that is opposite to the retained portion and that can extend outwardly of an edge area of the badge body for suspending an object and that can be retracted to a position between the guiding member and the edge area so as to be concealed from sight, and a retaining member disposed to retain the holding member in position.

Abstract: An award bar holder for accommodating one or more separate award bars includes a C-shaped channel having a rear panel and forwardly extending side panels having lips at the front edges that extend toward one another. The channel adjacent each end has a pair of mounting pins with detachable clasps for securing the holder to a garment. The award bars are held in the channel by pressure members that cause the bars to bind against the inner surfaces of the lips.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for manufacturing a layered memory object. The layered memory object includes a base object layer made of a precious metal. A second object layer can be made from a material that is less expensive then the first object layer. The second object layer can have a customized image. An adhesive layer can then be used between the first and second object layer. The adhesive layer is configured to affix the first and second object layers together. In addition, the customized image on the second object layer is viewable.

Abstract: An outdoor sign system incorporating a scroll module adapted to display a message selected from a plurality of messages on a message web. A roller clutch is provided to permit a take-off side roller to move in one direction and a roller clutch is provided to permit a supply side roller to rotate in an opposite direction, thereby achieving a scroll system that avoids bunching of the scroll web while maintaining tautness of the web. A scroll module of the sign system includes a front face formed of a transparent material. A first roller and a second roller are mounted on opposite sides of the front face. A flexible message web is fed off of one roller and onto a second roller so that the message web displays a desired message through said front face. A motor or, alternatively, a hand crank, is used to impart rotation to one or both of the rollers. A gear mechanism, in association with an in-line roller clutch, acts on a shaft of a roller.

Abstract: An image display device is provided. The device may include a base and a clear transparent member. The transparent member includes a curved surface. At least one light source is in operative connection with the base. The transparent member is operative to supportingly receive at least one image medium in a curved orientation between the light source and the curved surface. In this orientation, the light source is operative to transmit light through the transparent member and the image medium. The device may further include a cover positioned above the transparent member, wherein the cover includes an aperture therethrough. A handle may be in operative connection with the cover. The handle may include a pin which extends through the aperture and which is operative to direct light from the light source through the handle to illuminate the portions of the handle that extend above the cover.

Abstract: The invention provides a structure of decorative panel for inserted-in photographs (or pictures), which includes a panel and a plurality of through holes that have different shapes and are located on the surface of the panel. Besides, the size of each through hole is smaller than that of a photo (or picture) or a picture card so that the main body of the photo (or picture) or the picture card can be displayed therein. In addition, a U-shaped receiving slot is provided at the backside of the panel corresponding to the bottom and two lateral sides of one of the through holes, wherein the receiving slot is for a photo (or picture) or a picture card to be inserted in. Finally, a back panel is to be attached to the backside of the panel so that different photos can be easily inserted into and removed from the panel without applying any glue.

Abstract: A two-piece snap-on magazine adapter for a handgun. This magazine adapter provides a relatively continuous surface between the handgun and locked extended length magazine to afford the handgun user with a comfortable grip among other benefits. In the preferred embodiment, the magazine adapter has two snap together pieces: a main body and an end cap. The main body has an interior pocket configuration contoured to capture the magazine floor plate. The main body of the device is then captured by an end cap that locks via a detent mechanism onto the main adapter body. The magazine adapter fits completely around the magazine such that when the magazine is locked into the handgun, the resulting grip provides a smooth, continuous and comfortable fit between the extended length magazine's floor plate and the butt of the handgun's grip.

Abstract: Safety Device for a Shooting Mechanism of Double-Action Semi-Automatic Pistols Striker Fired The present application refers to a safety device for a shooting mechanism of semi-automatic guns, more specifically double action semi-automatic pistols striker fired, composed of a trigger support, a trigger body, a hinging axle for the two components, a small spring that acts between them and a trigger bar joined to the body of the trigger, with the addition of a firing pin lock located besides the front part of it and lodged in the breechblock.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integral firearms safety lock that safely provides locking capabilities in a firearm. The integral firearms safety lock ensures that a firearm is unable to fire by a simple manual manipulation of a locking mechanism. Moreover, an integral firearms safety lock is provided that contacts and locks a firing pin safety thereby preventing any unauthorized firing of the firearm.

Abstract: Safety devices for firearms have been disclosed. A disclosed safety device comprises a lock plate having a non-round bore penetrated by a striker. Is also includes a locking element rotatably mounted on the striker to immobilize the striker sufficiently to prevent firing of a cartridge. The locking element has at least one radial projection. A combined outer contour of the at least one radial projection and the striker is complementary to the non-round bore of the lock plate such that the locking element can only pass into the non-round bore when the locking element is positioned in a predetermined angular position. The safety device also includes at least one pushbutton accessible on the outside of the firearm and operatively coupled to the locking element to rotate the locking element around the striker to unlock the safety lock.

Abstract: A weapon stock, adapted to receive a firing assembly including a barrel and a receiver connected to the barrel. The stock has a first pistol grip interposed between a first forestock located towards a forward end and a butt stock located towards a rear end. In assembly with the firing assembly, the barrel is located adjacent to the first forestock towards the forward end. The stock further includes an elongated lower second forestock element spatially separated below the stock for at least part of its length at a location substantially at or below the first pistol grip and extending for a distance equal to or less than the distance between the barrel end distal to the receiver and the rear end of buttstock. The second forestock is attached to the stock at two or more attachment points wherein at one or more said attachment point(s) the second forestock is not integrally formed with said stock.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shotgun choke with integral wad-stopping feature for use with an existing shotgun. The choke generally comprises a hollow cylinder having (an) a coupling for securing it to the muzzle end such as an external series of screw threads proximate one end for screw-insertion to the muzzle end of an existing shotgun, and an internal channel defined by an overall taper running from the inserted end to the output end to constrict shotgun pellets passing there through. The wad-stopping feature is accomplished with a series of raised internal projections or steps (raised from the internal walls of the channel), the projections being spaced throughout the tapered channel to retard and separate a traveling wad from the shot when passing there through.

Abstract: This invention concerns a device for a weapon sight. The device includes a deflecting element (15) disposed in an optical path through the sight and comprising an optical wedge (17), and means (16) arranged to control the positional setting of the optical wedge to produce a randomly altered sight image in the sight. The device is characterized in that the control means (16) are arranged to produce, before firing, the altered sight image and, during firing, to guide the wedge or wedges to a reference position in which the sight image is unaltered. The invention also concerns a method for optically simulating recoil in a weapon with a sight.

Abstract: A rail connector and method for mounting on a firearm having a front sight, the connector including at least two mounting rails, and a fastening member for securely fastening the connector directly to the front sight of the firearm, the fastening member being coupled to the mounting rails.

Abstract: A battery powered fishing line bite detector alarm producing visible and/or audible alarm signals is disclosed. An arm, installed within the alarm, integrally connects to a modified leaf on-off switch. The alarm attaches to a fishing rod in front of a fishing reel mounted on the rod. Fishing line is threaded into the arm and adjusted such that slack is provided between the rear of the alarm and the front of the reel thereby allowing forward arm movement. The fishing line is further inserted until desired resistance of forward and backward line movement within the arm is achieved. Applied tension to the line forces the arm to actuate. A tension spring clip connected to a switch lever, and a common leaf contact arm, pulls contact arm closer to an upper common contact point until contact is made activating the alarm signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fishing reel display and mounting apparatus having a central support rod and vertically spaced mounting rings affixed thereto. The rings are of a greater diameter then the central support rod to provide a space therebetween to accommodate the mounting flange of the conventional fishing reel for display and inspection.

Abstract: This invention provides a fishing gear which, when a terminal tackle is thrown into water upon surf casting, is capable of preventing the terminal tackle from clinging to a fishing gut. A bottom section is provided on one side of a cylindrical accommodation main body including a cavity section internally while an opening section is provided on the other side, a lid body is provided freely detachably on an opening section of this accommodation main body through a fixing means and plural weight bodies are accommodated within the cavity section of the accommodation main body and the space section of the lid body.

Abstract: A fishing line compartment having one or more spools containing fishing line parts is provided. The fishing line compartment can be part of a larger container assembly or fishing tackle pack. Each spool can be held in the fishing line compartment using a strap having portions inserted through the bore of the spool. The strap is joined to the fishing line compartment using an attached end. When the attaching end of the strap is also joined to the flap, the strap is in its closed state. When in the closed state, the spool can be rotated and desired tension in the fishing line being unwound can be provided using the strap portions within the spool bore. In one embodiment, a cover overlies at least portions of the spool for use in maintaining a position of the spool in the fishing line compartment.

Abstract: This invention allows you to fasten a bobber to your fishing line easier by having more room with which to insert your line into the fastening apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for attracting mosquitoes by using the microbe product as the mosquito bait as well as simulating the human emanated odors. A bait-releasing unit/means is included to enhance the release of the mosquito bait. A well-controlled heating assembly can be used to generate a suitable thermal gradient for simulating body temperature and evaporating the bait. The microbe product comprises at least a sterilized supernatant of a bacterial incubation product. The apparatus of this invention can further include electrocution grids or insecticide webs to destroy attracted mosquitoes.

Abstract: An insert for an insect control product comprising a first side and an oppositely facing second side; a first portion; a middle portion; a third portion, the middle portion being connected to the first portion and the third portion along fold lines. A formula applied on a coated region of the second side of the insert and dried, and the formula applied to a coated region of the first side of the insert and dried. The insert is folded in upon itself to take on a Z-shaped configuration or cross section, and slid into a box or housing to complete the insect control product. The insert is made by the process of placing the stamped insert on an assembly line and first coating a coated region of the second side with formula and then flipping the insert over and drying same. Then, the coated region of the first side of the insert is coated with formula, flipped over and dried.

Abstract: An integrated process is described for producing biodiesel from oleaginous seeds, preferably castor bean seeds, comprising a transesterification reaction where the seeds themselves react with anhydrous ethyl alcohol in the presence of an alkaline catalyst. The resulting ethyl esters are then separated by decantation and neutralized and used as fuel for diesel engines, co-solvents for diesel and gasoline mixtures with anhydrous or hydrated ethyl alcohol. The solid fractions may be used as fertilizers, for feeding cattle and as a raw material for producing ethyl alcohol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a synthetic fireplace log and a process for making a synthetic fireplace log which is adapted to utilize wood derivative materials, such as wood chips, sawdust or virtually any wood-based product, such as paper and cardboard. The wood derivative materials are molded into a desired shape and held together with a non-petroleum based binder to form a synthetic fireplace log. In order to increase the flammability of the log, the synthetic fireplace log may optionally be sprayed or soaked with either a petroleum or non-petroleum-based flammability agent. Even though a petroleum-based flammability agent is used for soaking and/or spraying the synthetic log, the off-gassing is minimized since the petroleum-based spray is burned off relatively quickly. In other embodiments of the invention, a non-petroleum-based flammability agent is utilized. Suitable non-petroleum-based flammability agents include, for example, vegetable oil, corn oil, soybean oil, granola oil, and lard.

Abstract: An outdoor protective cover for protecting outdoor plants and other objects from adverse weather conditions including an upper cover configured to provide an interior space. The upper cover includes an outer surface having any of a variety of decorative displays, a top portion and an open bottom portion. The decorative display may include features molded integrally with the upper cover, painted on features, or preprinted graphical or pictorial illustrations affixed to the upper cover. The decorative display may further include lights, reflective components, or fiber optics attached to the upper cover to provide additional decorative characteristics.

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 upper portion may be detachable from the lower portion of the sleeve. 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: A device and method for helping a floral designer create a floral arrangement that is well balanced in its distribution of flowers and greens. The device includes a three-dimensional foam structure that has a plurality of different levels. Each of the different levels is of a different size, thereby creating an overall tapered foam structure. Areas of equal size are demarcated on each of the different levels. The areas of equal size are evenly distributed around a plurality of different levels. The demarcation of the various equal sized areas are created either by using an external grid work that lay over the foam structure or shaping the foam into protrusions on each level. Using the equal sized areas as a distribution grid, a floral designer can quickly and easily place flowers and greens throughout the three-dimensional foam structure in a manner that is evenly distributed and well balanced.

Abstract: A top dressing for seedling containers which consists of particles of expanded polystyrene having a density of not less than 10 pounds per cubic foot and not more than 3 5 pounds per cubic foot. It is preferred that the top dressing be made by recycling used seedling containers.

Abstract: A seed germination and plant supporting utility are disclosed. The utility includes a spacer having a passageway therethrough between opposite spacer ends. Mesh is positioned at both ends of the spacer. First and second retainers are receivable at the ends of the spacer adjacent to the mesh positioned thereat and have openings therethrough in correspondence with the spacer passageway. The mesh is thus held apart a selected distance with the passageway through the spacer enshrouded by the mesh yet accessible at both ends through the mesh and the openings in the retainers.

Abstract: An hydroponic/aeroponic agricultural unit that involves sealing the plants in a highly water saturated environment which more closely recreates the feel of natural rainwater. Also, this invention features the ability of quickly changing from a small housing into a larger housing by varying the diameter of a drum so that a small drum can act as a nursery for seedlings. Once the seedlings have turned into plants, the drum is made larger. The plurality of planks making up the drum can be positioned close to the lamp when they are small and farther away when larger. A simple yet reliable system allows for the rotation of the drum.

Abstract: A liner for use in a horticultural planter contains an integral water tray which is located between inner and outer fibrous layers of a liner. The water tray extends from a bottom surface of the liner toward a peripheral top edge. The water tray is integral with the liner and located between outer and inner fibrous layers. An overflow region is included with the water tray near the peripheral top edge of the liner.

Abstract: A plant packaging method providing a tubular sleeve having a linear or non-linear upper edge and disposing the sleeve about a potted plant.

Abstract: A plant cover is formed from a flower pot cover and a base. The base has a plurality of expansion elements extending thereabout wherein each expansion element includes one or more areas of excess material shaped in the form of a pleat which extends generally from the lower end to near the upper end of the base. The base may be disposed over an outer peripheral surface of the flower pot cover such that an inner peripheral surface of the base is adjacent to and in contacting engagement with the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot cover. The expansion elements permit the base to expand and contract to both closely encompass and follow the contours of the flower pot cover disposed about the pot, thereby forming the plant cover.

Abstract: A moisturized, soilless, root-culture planter provides a water storage space that is sealed by a cover unit. A planter unit is assembled in the container, with the bottom extended to include a water channel to suck water from the container to the planter unit, to maintain a moisturized status. The planter unit provides a hollow planting space for direct insertion for growth of a plant root. Such a structure completely seals off a planting environment containing water without soil. Even when the container is overturned, water is still contained to maintain the planting environment for growth. So there is no risk of contamination that may be caused by spilling water and soil.

Abstract: A device for the delivery of nutrient solution to plants, comprised of an air-lift pump and a vessel which surrounds a portion of the air-lift pump. The vessel is of adequate size and shape to contain a supply of nutrient solution for operation of the air-lift pump. The vessel is replenished with nutrient solution from another, larger source of nutrient solution (external reservoir) with tubing, pipe, or other means of fluid communication. This device allows an air-lift pump to be supplied with nutrient solution, while attenuating plant roots, growing media, and other matter, thereby increasing air-lift pump reliability. Also, this device makes possible the operation of air-lift pumps at a variety of locations relative to a nutrient solution reservoir.

Abstract: Described herein is a fuel processor that produces hydrogen from a fuel source. The fuel processor comprises a reformer and burner. The reformer includes a catalyst that facilitates the production of hydrogen from the fuel source. Voluminous reformer chamber designs are provided that increase the amount of catalyst that can be used in a reformer and increase hydrogen output for a given fuel processor size. The burner provides heat to the reformer. One or more burners may be configured to surround a reformer on multiple sides to increase thermal transfer to the reformer. Dewars are also described that increase thermal management of a fuel processor and increase burner efficiency. A dewar includes one or more dewar chambers that receive inlet air before a burner receives the air. The dewar is arranged such that air passing through the dewar chamber intercepts heat generated in the burner before the heat escapes the fuel processor.

Abstract: The invention provides a vibration isolation mount for a motorized garage door opener system. The mount includes a substantially planar first mounting plate with apertures configured for mounting to structure inside a garage, and a substantially planar second mounting plate with threaded bolt shafts or other mounting elements configured for mounting to motor mounting structure mounted to a drive motor for use in the system. A vibration isolation material, which may be a natural or synthetic rubber, is disposed between the first and second mounting plates to isolate noise and vibration produced by the motor from the structure mounting the assembly to the interior of the garage.

Abstract: The present invention teaches an improved balance shoe. The improved balance shoe of the present invention comprises a balance shoe housing for retaining a sash in a channel of a window. The housing can have a base section and at least one side section. A pivot member can be employed by the housing. Upon rotation, the pivot member can force at least one side support member into contact with a side wall of a window jamb channel when the window is tilted.

Abstract: An improved balance shoe is described. There is a balance shoe housing, wherein there is a pivot member. The pivot member forces at least one side support member against the interior surfaces of a window jamb channel when said window is tilted. The pivot member comprises a base section having a top surface and a bottom surface, said top surface having at least one pivot member extending therefrom, said pivot member being adapted to force said support member against the interior surface of said window jamb as said pivot member is rotated due to the tilting of the window sash.

Abstract: The invention concerns a closure system for motor vehicle (1) motorized trunk, comprising means for controlling an automatic movement of a rear door (3) from a first position wherein the inside of the trunk (2) is accessible to a user, to a second position wherein the inside of the trunk (2) is closed by said rear door (3), said control means including triggering means (5) arranged at the trunk so as to be inaccessible from outside the motor vehicle when the rear door (3) is in the second position. The invention is characterized in that the triggering means comprises at least one sensor (5) for detecting the user's presence.

Abstract: A device for adjusting a window pane displaced by a double stranded cable window lifter comprises two cable turning devices arranged at the front and rear, relative to the driving direction of the vehicle along the adjusting direction of the window pane, and a cable, driven by the drive unit, which runs between the cable turning devices along the adjusting direction of the window pane in the two crossed bowden cables. Said cables are at least partly arranged in bowden sheaths, the length of which can be adjusted relative and opposed to each other by means of an adjustment device for altering the lengths of the bowden sheaths, which is arranged in the crossing region of the crossing bowden cables. The length of the bowden sheaths on the drive side bowden cable are changed inversely to the length of the bowden sheath on the non-driven bowden cable.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved vent stop for use in a sliding sash window assembly or a sliding door assembly. The vent stop has a housing adapted to be disposed in the recess. This housing includes a cavity with a bottom plate therein. Inside the cavity is a tumbler that may be in a retracted position and an extended position. When the tumbler is in an extended position the tumbler has a protruding apex at the top. The tumbler has at least one pivot means for pivotally securing said tumbler to said housing for movement between the extended position and the retracted position. In the extended position the bottom of the tumbler overlies a portion of the second sash to prevent movement of the lower sash past the tumbler. When in a retracted position within said cavity the sash or door can be raised and/or moved past the tumbler without interference.

Abstract: A security device for a door comprises a U-shaped reinforcing plate on the vertical edge of a door on the deadbolt side of the door and an elongated frame plate. The door reinforcing plate and the frame plate are made of a hardened material such as cold rolled steel. The door reinforcing plate extends substantially the entire length of the door. A force applied to the door by a would-be intruder is transmitted from the deadbolt to the door reinforcing plate and the elongated frame plate, which then distribute the force over the vertical edge of the door and a significant part of the frame, respectively.

Abstract: A thermally insulative and waterproof barrier for protecting an exterior surface includes a plurality of generally rectangular flexible blankets in overlapping disposition. Each blanket defines a body and a peripheral margin about edges of the body, edges of the bodies of adjacent blankets (including the base layer) overlapping. Each body includes at least one base layer of thermal insulation and two cover layers of waterproof material. The cover layers are sealed together peripherally about the base layer to form the peripheral margin and exclude water from the base layer.

Abstract: The present invention Universal extra shade tent structure to hand held umbrella refers to a shelter from a folding hand umbrella and a double version combination of separated additional tent sections that may be connected to the umbrella skeleton arms at several end points of the umbrella, when the umbrella is in open form. The first version of the separated additional tent section consists of several telescopic or other types of poles, soft light walls, and an underlay. The hard poles are joined to the umbrella skeleton arms by a sliding, or other type of connectors and connect to attach by the other end to natural soil, ground, grass, sand, or an underlay that provides fixation or to any outdoor beds, or to other objects for tent stability. When the shelter is in standing form, the lever handle of the umbrella can be removed by twisting off or otherwise removing from the structure, or minimized by sliding upward, or bending horizontally to the side into a compact position.

Abstract: A portable staging assembly having a first platform panel pivotally connected to a second platform panel with the second platform panel further being pivotally connected to a base assembly. When the first and second platform panels are in a position for use substantially parallel to a ground surface, the second platform panel is supported by a plurality of ground engaging supports and the first platform panel is supported by at least one ground engaging support and by the second platform panel. The invention further provides a method of assembling the portable staging assembly.

Abstract: An improved gutter-cover system has a clip which includes movable jaws and a locking lever for locking a given clip in place on a variety of gutter types.