Abstract: The shoe comprises a sole (1) provided with securement means (5, 6) of a retaining cleat (2) of the shoe on an automatic cycle pedal. The securement means comprise first securement members (5) disposed within the thickness of the sole (1) facing through holes (7) provided in the sole and permitting the first securement members (5) to coact with second securement members (6) acting on said cleat (2), and positioning means (8, 11) of the cleat (2) relative to the sole (1) permitting placing the cleat in a predetermined position of use. The shoe moreover comprises a locating device (15) comprising locating means (16, 17) of the predetermined position of use of the cleat (2) permitting the emplacement of another similar cleat in the predetermined position of use.

Abstract: A gravesite memory marker made of transparent flexibly resilient plastic having a pair of nestable members forming a weather resistant framed area for holding a photograph or other memorabilia and a pointed stake for insertion into the ground at the gravesite.

Abstract: A reusable container has a card holder secured to an exterior surface thereof. The card holder includes a first ply of a film material having an upper surface and a lower surface, and a second ply of a film material having an upper surface and a lower surface. The first ply and the second ply each have substantially coextensive top and bottom edges substantially parallel to each other. The plies also have substantially coextensive first and second side edges substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the top and bottom edges. An ultraviolet radiation curable adhesive holds the plies together, with the upper surface of the first ply in contact with the lower surface of the second ply. The curable adhesive extends around at least a portion of the periphery of the first and second plies so as to define a pocket in conjunction with the first and second plies in which an informational card may be positioned.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a festive camcorder comprising a camcorder and a decorative sealed vessel. The decorative sealed vessel is coupled to the main base of the camcorder. The decorative sealed vessel has at least one liquid type and a decorative structure.

Abstract: A visual image display includes a first substrate having front and back surfaces. A first image is disposed on the front surface of the first substrate. The display also includes a light source for illuminating the back surface of the first substrate, and a second image is disposed between the light source and the first image. The first substrate is at least partially translucent so that the second image is visible on the front surface of the first substrate when illuminated by the light source. Only the first image is visible in the display when the second image is not illuminated. A process for creating a visual image includes placing the first image on the front surface of the first substrate. The second image is provided behind the first image and illuminated to create a composite of the first and second images on the first substrate.

Abstract: A movable advertising system and method that can be produced inexpensively in a wide variety of shapes, colors, and sizes and easily installed in consumer purchasing locations. The movable advertising system is designed to attract the attention of the purchasing public and enhance the sales of advertised product. The unique feature of the system is a self-contained support mechanism that reinforces the system and provides sufficient support to enable the advertising system to carry a tear-pad for sweepstakes, coupons, and/or other consumer offers.

Abstract: The device comprises a sheet of paper or card, having a slit formed therein. The slit makes an inverted U-shape, having left and right leg portions, and a cross-bar. The slit divides the sheet into a front panel, on which a greetings message can be written or printed, and a fixing-loop, which slips over the neck of the bottle. The vertical length of the legs of the slit is shorter than the width between the legs, whereby the device comes to rest on the bottle, with the neck of the bottle touching the inside of the front panel and the back of the fixing-loop. The bottle does not touch the legs of the slit. An envelope for the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for a memo/display board includes a frame having a top, a bottom, a first side and an opposite second side. There is an elongated slot within the top of the frame for inserting a surface into the frame such that the frame encloses the surface. Writing surfaces include paper, dry erase, wet erase, and chalkboard surfaces for use with various writing utensils.

Abstract: A waterfowl decoy device broadly comprises a buoyant decoy body, a decoy anchor, and an anchor extension, setting and retrieval mechanism for extending, setting and retrieving the anchor. The body is a conventional waterfowl decoy body defining a hollow interior and presenting a keel. The mechanism is attached to the body and includes a housing, a reel mounted within the housing for rotation and an anchor line having a proximal end coupled with the reel and a distal end coupled with the anchor. The reel is spring biased for retraction of the anchor. The decoy is retrieved by pushing the decoy into the water so that the decoy bobs in a direction away from the anchor unlocking the mechanism and retracting the anchor.

Abstract: A splice system and method for linear connection of fishing lines include a female connector and a male connector. Each connector has first and second opposite ends and a longitudinal axis, about which the connector is symmetric. The first end of the female connector is connected to a first fishing line section and the second end has a first opening; the connector has an interior feature with a radial extent. The second end of the male connector is connected to a second fishing line section and the first end has a projection configured for coaxial insertion into the first opening of the female connector. The projection has a radial extent greater than the radial extent of the interior feature of the female connector. At least one of the connectors is resilient so that the projection compresses or the interior feature expands.

Abstract: An insect trap that utilizes a combustion chamber to produce carbon dioxide for an attractant. Combustion gasses from the combustion chamber are cooled in a conduit for the trap inlet. Thus, a single fan may be used for both drawing insects into the insect trap and for cooling the combustion chamber. Combustion gasses, after being cooled by the flow of air through the conduit connected to the trap inlet, may be further cooled by a cooling system, such as a thermoelectric device. As such, the insect trap of the present invention may be used to produce carbon dioxide, via combustion, at temperatures at or below ambient temperature.

Abstract: A system for sterilization of spaces and surfaces from consequences of bioterrorism has a container having a plurality of walls which jointly define an inner chamber, a cover connected with the container turnably between an open position in which the inner chamber of the container is open and a closed position in which the inner chamber is closed, a plurality of compartments formed in the inner chamber of the container and including compartments for accommodating substances for sterilization of spaces and surfaces and compartments for accommodating accessories, a single uniform compartment provided in the cover, means for storing the substances and accommodated in the compartments for substances, means for storing the accessories and accommodated in the compartments for accessories, a single uniform compartment provided in the cover, and a uniform arranged in the single uniform compartment of the cover.

Abstract: An insect-trapping condensing system is disclosed herein. The system comprises: a housing defining an interior space; an acoustic wave generator for generating acoustic soundwaves; a baffle located within the interior space and having channels formed in the baffle for distributing the soundwaves; and a condensing unit within the interior space for condensing a refrigerant and having a fin structure for trapping insects. The system condensing unit receives the soundwaves generated by the wave generator and distributed by the channels in the baffle. The wave generator mimics the heartbeat rate range for people and therefore can act as a sonic insect attractant by simulating the human heart. In general, the invention utilizes condensing functionality to provide an insect-trapping system, thereby providing a solution to a previously unfilled need.

Abstract: The present invention relates a surfactant composition for use as an emulsifier in water blended fuel mtixture. The said composition includes ethoxylate of cashew nut shell liquid. In addition ethoxylate of cashew nut shell liquid, the said composition comprises a co-surfactant having a hydrophilic lipophilic balance in the range of 4 to 12 and a polymeric dispersant. The water blended fuel mixture using emulsifers of the present invention, overcome some of the shortcomings of the previously known emulsions. The ethoxylate of cashew nut shell liquid is of the formula (I).

Abstract: Provided is a novel gasoline composition which is substantially free of ether compounds and is in compliance with a California Predictive Model. The gasoline composition is suitable for use in the winter months, i.e., having a Reid vapor pressure in the range of greater than 7.0 to about 15.0 psi. The method for blending the gasoline comprises blending streams from a refinery in a controlled manner to maintain compliance with the California Predictive Model.

Abstract: In drying coal to be used as fuel for a coal-fired boiler, the coal is dried at a temperature of 80 to 150° C. by using combustion exhaust gas having passed through an air heater for the coal-fired boiler. Moreover, after medium-quality or low-quality coal is heated to a temperature of 300 to 500° C. at a heating rate of not less than 100° C. per minute and then cooled to a temperature of 250° C. or below at a cooling rate of not less than 50° C. per minute, the resulting reformed coal is cooled to a temperature of 70° C. or below and stored for 1 month or more in a state of isolation from the atmosphere. In producing the aforesaid reformed coal, the medium-quality or low-quality coal is heated by using combustion exhaust gas obtained at the outlet of an economizer included in the coal-fired boiler equipment or at the outlet of a denitrator included therein.

Abstract: Described herein is a fuel processor that produces hydrogen from a fuel source. The fuel processor comprises a reformer, boiler and burner. The reformer includes a catalyst to facilitate the production of hydrogen from the fuel source. A boiler heats the fuel source before receipt by the reformer. The burner provides heat to the reformer and to the boiler. The fuel processor may also comprise a dock that maintains position of the reformer and boiler within the fuel processor. Dewars are also described that improve thermal management of a fuel processor by reducing heat loss and increasing burner efficiency.

Abstract: A fuel processing system and method for processing fuel for a fuel cell having a first adsorbent bed for adsorption of high molecular weight organic sulfur-containing compounds and inorganic sulfur-containing compounds, and a second adsorbent bed for adsorption of low molecular weight organic sulfur-containing compounds, where the adsorbent beds are arranged such that the fuel to be processed passes through one of the adsorbent beds and, thereafter through the other adsorbent bed.

Abstract: A reformer system comprises a reformer catalyst capable of reforming a fuel to hydrogen and carbon monoxide, and a water gas shift catalyst in fluid communication with the reformer catalyst and in fluid communication with an exhaust gas source comprising water, wherein the water gas shift catalyst is capable of reacting carbon monoxide with the water to produce hydrogen and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: An electronic service reminder to automatically notify a user as to when and what type of maintenance should be performed on the garage door operator, based on a variety of factors, including time, materials and operating environment. The garage door operator is configured to automatically generate an electronic service reminder in the form of an audible or visual alert based on one or more operating parameters of the garage door operator meeting or exceeding a predefined threshold. The predefined threshold is variable based on the values of the operating parameters.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable facade shell (1) for a building, having an outer shell (1b) which is formed of panels (2) arranged one behind and/or one over another, which panels are adjustable between a closed position and an opened position, and having an inner shell (1a) spaced from the outer shell (1b) and of one or more wall parts, the adjustment device being arranged on a carrier frame (6) which can be attached to the building and is of vertical and horizontal carrier parts (6a to 6d), and has pivoting devices (4) for the panels (2). For the purpose of reducing the outlay for manufacture and/or installation, the panels (2) are so adjusted by the pivoting devices that in their pivoted out position and during a pivoting procedure they are located in front of the outer side of the carrier frame (6), the inner shell (1a) being connected by means of the carrier parts (6a to 6d) with the outer shell (1d) and being thereby supported.

Abstract: The invention concerns a command and release device for an electrical actuator for swing gates, that includes a transmission joint comprised of a coupling with frontal teeth (20,21) inserted between the output shaft of gear motor and a worm screw (14) and a release element (24). This element is associated in a radial way to the said coupling so that it can be manually released in an emergency. The release element is comprises an eccentric pin that engages the coupling element in a radial way that can be moved from an engagement position to a release position by being turned by a lock barrel (26) with its key.

Abstract: A seal structure of a fixing portion of a weather strip of the present invention comprises the fixing portion that is fixed at a flange portion provided at a periphery of an opening of a car body, and a dam portion that is provided at a position opposite to a top end of the flange portion, wherein an adhesive sealant is coated within the dam portion, and wherein the top end of the flange portion contacts the adhesive sealant.

Abstract: An Al2O3 and ZrO2 based abrasive grain containing titanium compounds in a reduced form, especially in the form of oxides and/or suboxides and/or carbides and/or oxycarbides and/or oxycarbonitrides and/or suicides, corresponding to a proportion of 0.510 wt. %, expressed as TiO2, containing 20-50 wt. % ZrO2, wherein more than 75 wt. % of the ZrO2 is present in a tetragonal crystal form, having an overall carbon content of 0.03-0.5 wt. %, a proportion of impurities caused by raw materials of less than 3.0 wt. %, wherein the rare earth content calculated in the form of oxides is less than 0.1 wt. %, having an Si-compound content of 0.05-1.0 wt. %, expressed as SiO2, and an Al2O3 content of 50-80 wt.

Abstract: The claimed invention involves a novel aqueous polishing slurry for chemical-mechanical polishing that is effective for polishing copper at high polish rates. The aqueous slurry according to the present invention comprises particles of MoO2 in an oxidizing agent. A method for polishing copper by chemical-mechanical polishing includes contacting copper with a polishing pad and an aqueous slurry comprising particles of MoO2 in an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to abrasive composites having improved abrasive particle retention due to unique coating designs. The present invention describes coated abrasive particles having tortuous surface topography, a process for producing such coated abrasive particles, and products comprising such coated abrasive particles. The coated abrasive particles have an outer layer coating with highly tortuous surface comprising about 5 spikes and have a tortuosity of at least about 1.1. The coated abrasive particles may be used in composites including metal/metal alloy matrix composites, ceramic/glass matrix composites, and polymer based matrix composites.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wind-proof umbrella having a Y-shape wire, which includes a normal shaft, a runner, a main rib, and a branch rib. The characteristic of the invention is to provide a ring on the shaft at an upper position. A Y-shape wire is provided to connect its inner end to the ring and its two outer ends to two nearby main ribs. Hence, each main rib is connected with two Y-shape wires. When the umbrella is opened, each main rib can be pulled by two Y-shape wires that obtains a better strength for resisting against wind.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic straight umbrella, which includes a power rod received in the shaft of the umbrella. The rod can be pressed for storing energy to open or close umbrella automatically by the recovery forces of lower spring and upper spring in the shaft. The novel structure of the automatically is simple and utilized for use and assembly.

Abstract: The invention is a modular vehicle that is intended for a variety of operations including both military and civilian operations. The vehicle addresses the issue of performing special purpose tasks that the vehicle is asked to do. Such tasks can be accomplished by configuring the vehicle as an ambulance, as a fire-fighting vehicle, as a communications van, as a command and control vehicle, etc. Thus, the vehicle is readily adapted using standardized and customized modules that are readily attached to a standardized platform that includes an appropriate interconnection means.

Abstract: Techniques are described for constructing geodesic dome structures. For example, a method includes connecting a set of panels to form a geodesic dome. The panels have surface contours that conform to a surface contour of a geodesic dome having a dimension larger than a dimension of the geodesic dome formed by the panels. Another method includes attaching flanges to a set of permanent structure members that form a permanent geodesic dome structure. The method further includes fastening a set of panels to the flanges. The panels enclose the geodesic dome structure to form the geodesic dome. The techniques described may allow the construction of a geodesic dome structure of precisely controlled dimensions with relatively small numbers of people and little strenuous labor.

Abstract: An insulating unitless window sash includes a sash frame made of four linear sash members having their mitered edges joined together. Each of the sash members in cross section includes a peripheral surface, a first and outer side walls and a first groove spaced from a second groove. Each of the grooves has a base and spaced walls. The base of the first groove is spaced a greater distance from the peripheral surface than the base of the second groove. Peripheral and marginal edges of a first sheet are in the first groove and peripheral and marginal edges of a second sheet are in the second groove. A shim is mounted on the sash frame adjacent the outer surface of the first sheet to give a balance configuration. A method of fabricating the insulating unitless sash is also disclosed.

Abstract: A window shutter has corrosion resistant stiles with a non-metallic core and louvers, and non-metallic top and bottom rails. The shutter is resistant to the adverse effects of sunlight, humidity, rain and wind, and will retard flying objects, and will pass commonly used missile tests for building materials. The resulting shutter will also withstand substantial stresses from wind loads, so as to perform satisfactorily in wind load tests. The window covering of the invention is substantially maintenance free.

Abstract: The invention relates a frontal butt connection between two roof slab elements of a flat roof and to a corresponding roof slab element (1) which comprises undercuts, grooves or pockets (8, 9) integrated into its profile walls (6, 7). In this area the pockets of at least one roof slab element are substantially recessed in the form of slots (11) or a jog (15), and the apex of the slab can be removed. The slabs can be nested into one another or stacked without the pockets or grooves mutually impeding one another. Especially when the slots or the jog is configured in such a way that they almost halve the pockets next to the upper chord, the remaining pockets enclose the pockets of the subjacent slab. The top slab, in the slot area, is elastic to such an extent that it almost engages into the upper chord of the lower slab. The roof slab elements can be fastened, for example, in the area of the overlapping upper chords or with their slab surfaces resting on the purlin either with one another and/or on the purlin.

Abstract: A flexible hinge including a first set of plies and a second set of plies, and a hinge area where the first set of plies and the second set of plies bend. A damping material is disposed between plies of the first set and the second set at least at the hinge area thereof to control the deployment of the hinge.

Abstract: Building structure fire resistance can be rated by providing or having made available a new or existing building structure; providing or having made available at least one fire control agent; applying or noting application or presence of the at least one fire control agent to or with at least one component part of the building structure; providing a rating format for fire resistance of a comparative building structure; and comparing the applying, application or presence of or with the at least one component part of the building structure to the rating format to provide a fire resistance classification rating. A multi-level rating system can be employed.

Abstract: A packaging system is provided which supplies an item to be packaged and a bag covering the item to a pressure resistant chamber, for a heat sealing mechanism which arrives at a certain time interval, in accordance with the circulation timing of each sealing mechanism. The packaging system includes means for causing a beak-shaped hopper and a pair of opening and closing bars, to move back and forth in unison along a main travel path leading to a rotary vacuum packaging device, means for extending and supporting the opening section of an uppermost packaging bag, and conveying same into a pressure resistant chamber of the vacuum packaging device, means for causing a waiting station to move following the conveyance movement of the beak-shaped hopper into a pressure resistant chamber, and means for opening the opening and closing bars towards either side immediately after the bag has been conveyed into the pressure resistant chamber.

Abstract: In a web packaging machine (10) and method packaging a food product (P) between upper and lower webs (14 and 25), wherein the lower web (14) is transported through a series of stations which form the lower web (14) into a component of a package at a forming station (18), and receive the food product (P) at a loading station (20), and close the package with the upper web (25) at a closing station (26), a pasteurization station (300) is provided between the loading station (20) and the closing station (26) and pasteurizing the food product (P).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to a machine for heat-shrinking sleeves made from a film of heat-shrink plastics material and engaged individually on articles such as bottles. In accordance with the invention, the machine comprises a fixed structure, an article support arranged to move along a vertical central axis between a low position in which articles can be put into place or removed, and a high position in which an article is fully received in a pre-heater chamber surmounting a shrinkage chamber, together with a controller governing parameters of temperature, support travel speed, and time, during the operating sequences of the method. This enables ordinary consumers themselves to cause sleeves to be shrunk onto bottles.

Abstract: Transponders are used for identifying objects such as packaging, packaging material or machines and machine elements and are attached to the object to be identified. The transponders contain data which are provided by an electronic write unit and which can be recognized by a read unit. The transponders are provided in a concealed manner on the machines, machine parts, etc. or are embedded in the machine part, for example, inside a recess.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods providing intelligent and variable speed control of a vacuum pump, intelligent vacuum pump controllers, intelligent vacuum packaging appliances, and vacuum feedback devices and methods. This Abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b).

Abstract: Resealable vacuum packaging bags and methods of manufacturing and using the bags are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a bag includes a first panel and a second panel coupled to the first panel. The first and second panels each have a gas impermeable layer and a heat sealable layer. The bag further includes a first mating member projecting from the first panel and a second mating member projecting from the first or second panel. The second mating member is configured to selectively engage the first mating member to substantially seal the bag. In another embodiment, a method of using a resealable vacuum packaging bag includes opening a thermally sealed vacuum packaging bag and engaging a first complementary member on a first panel of the bag with a second complementary member on a second panel of the bag to substantially seal the vacuum packaging bag after opening the vacuum packaging bag.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a bag clamp for use with a vacuum packaging appliance. The bag clamp has an open and a closed position. The open position is suitable for receiving an open end of a vacuum bag. The closed position is suitable for capturing and holding the open end of the vacuum bag during operation of the vacuum packaging appliance. A vacuum packaging appliance according to the present invention has at least one bag clamp, typically disposed within and fixedly attached to a drip tray. The present invention further teaches removable drip trays and vacuum packaging appliances with removable drip trays holding one or more bag clamps.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging appliance for heat sealing items in a vacuum packaging plastic bag is disclosed. The appliance comprises a lid adapted to define a vacuum chamber when it is moved to a closed position relative to a trough in the base of the device. Adjacent to a trough in the lower portion of the device, a heat sealing element is placed in order to seal the contents of the bag once the vacuum packaging is complete. In another embodiment, the heat sealing element is mounted on the lid of the device and comes into contact with the vacuum bag when the lid is in a closed position. The heat sealing elements are controlled by a controller that allows operator selections of seals and sealing time adjustments based on inputs from a plurality of sensors. The controller is further able to energize one or two of the heating elements based on predetermined conditions. The methods and structures described control both heating and cooling of the heat sealing elements.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for stretch wrapping articles, especially heads of lettuce, wherein a roll (23) of film (24) is supported on a housing (21), and the film is supplied from the roll around a dancer roller (50) and film feed roller (51) to a pair of film feed grippers (33, 34) which grip a leading edge of the film and advance it past an opening (26), whereupon a clamp (27) engages the leading edge of the film to hold it while the grippers release and return to their home position. Additional clamps (28-32) then engage the film to hold it in place over the opening. A head of lettuce (L) is placed on the film in centered relation to the opening, and a ram (37) engages the lettuce and pushes it against the film to stretch the film through and below the opening.

Abstract: A machine for forming filled sealed pouches from a continuously moving sealable web of material includes a first sealing station for forming a longitudinal seal along a side edge of the web, and a horizontal sealing station for forming a plurality of transverse seals in the web. The horizontal sealing station includes a pair of conveyors each carrying jaws that mate along a sealing path to form the transverse seals. A method of forming filled sealed pouches from a continuously moving sealable web of material is also described.

Abstract: A method for shipping a piece of furniture having a base section removably secured to a seat section that involves removing the seat section from the base section and inserting the seat section and the base section into a shipping container. A packaging apparatus suitable for overnight delivery which includes a shipping container and at least one shipping sleeve capable of receiving an edge portion of the seat section of the furniture with the at least one shipping sleeve positionable within the shipping container to abut a side wall of the shipping container is also disclosed.

Abstract: A container capping control device for a machine may include at least one capping head adapted to place a closure member on a container. The capping head may include a driving motor. The device may include a calculation unit, a graphical man-machine interface and a plurality of capping programs adapted to be parameterized by means of the interface. A capping program may be adapted to control the capping head in accordance with at least one phase of rotation of the closure member when the capping program is executed by the calculation unit.

Abstract: A capping apparatus 1 includes torque sensor 12 which detects an output torque when a chuck 7 is driven for rotation by a motor 9. Initially, a cap 5 is held by the chuck 7. The cap 5 is fitted over a mouth of a vessel 2, and then the chuck 7 is rotated through one revolution in a clamping direction. A resulting output torque is detected by the torque sensor 12, and the output torque rapidly increases at the position where the threads on the cap 5 and the vessel 2 abut against each other (an incipient position of meshing engagement P). The cap 5 is rotated through a given angle of rotation as referenced to the incipient position of meshing engagement P, thus threadably engaging the cap 5 with the vessel 2. The invention allows a uniform clamping of cap 5 at the completion of the capping operation.

Abstract: Vacuum packaging appliances and vacuum packaging bag material receptacles are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a vacuum packaging appliance includes a base, a lid movably coupled to the base, a vacuum chamber at least partially within the base and/or the lid, a vacuum pump operably coupled to the vacuum chamber to remove gas from the vacuum chamber, and a support assembly coupled to the base and/or the lid. The support assembly is configured to support bag material. The support assembly can be movable between a stowed position and a deployed position.

Abstract: A packaging machine for stacks of various kinds of correspondence comprising a feeding conveyor (11) of stacks of correspondence (17) from a sorting line, a feeding group (18) equipped with pushers (20), situated above the feeding conveyor (11), upper and lower unwinding or unrolling groups (12a, 12b) which feed films of packaging material (13a, 13b), for wrapping each single stack (17), a transversal welding group (14), a longitudinal welding group (15), an unloading conveyor (16), a trimming aspirator (23) situated below the longitudinal welding group (15).