Abstract: A method of drying a lactulose solution comprises introducing the solution into a vacuum chamber at elevated temperature and at reduced pressure so that the solution forms a foam, drying the foam under reduced pressure, and milling or grinding or breaking the dried foam into powder.

Abstract: In an apparatus for a treatment of a wafer at elevated temperatures, the wafer is taken out of the reactor after heat treatment with the help of a mechanical transport apparatus which preferably grips the wafer around the circumference and on the under side. The transport apparatus includes a wafer surrounding ring. The wafer is placed in a floating wafer reactor where it is cooled in a controlled manner. Transport for further action or treatment then takes place.

Abstract: A drying apparatus for a sheet-fed offset printing machine which dries sheets as they pass along a sheet path with forcefully directed air and/or heat. The drying apparatus of the present invention is adapted for more effective sheet drying by means of an electrode and a corresponding counter electrode, wherein the electrode is connected to a high-voltage source and a high voltage is applied to the electrode by the high-voltage source in dependence on the operation of the sheet-fed printing machine and/or the length of the sheets.

Abstract: A shoe having a rubberized sole, a heel section having a heel support, an at least partially covered toe section, and a generally open midsection extending from approximately the wearer's toe/instep joint to the front of the wearer's ankle. In some embodiments, the shoe may comprise waterproof materials or water resistant materials. The midsection may comprise a side rail that rises above the sole between the toe section and the heel section. The shoe may further comprise a strap anchored to one side of the shoe and adapted to wrap around the wearer's foot to a securing member on the other side of the shoe to secure the wearer's foot in the shoe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing a shoe having an upper with a first surface and a foot placement mechanism for placing a foot and having a top surface and a bottom surface. The foot placement mechanism also includes an extension extending outwardly from the foot placement mechanism in a direction generally parallel to the top surface. The first surface of the upper is in contact with the top surface in a localized area proximate to the extension. A securing mechanism is used to secure the upper to the foot placement mechanism in the area proximate to where the first surface contacts the top surface. A sole is then secured to the bottom surface. Preferably, vulcanized rubber is in contact with the sole and bottom surface for securing the sole to the bottom surface by vulcanization.

Abstract: A shoe having a sole contour which follows a theoretically ideal stability plane as a basic concept, but which deviates, outwardly therefrom to provide greater than natural stability. Thickness variations outwardly from the stability plane are disclosed, along with density variations to achieve a similar greater than natural stability.

Abstract: A laminate of a thermally pointbonded nonwoven base fabric and a coating of polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride on at least one surface of the base fabric, and a footwear upper made from the laminate and wherein the upper functions additionally as a lining for the footwear.

Abstract: A boot (100), such as a sports boot, having a removable liner (160) that is adapted to be inserted into an outer shell (110). The liner includes a vamp gap (170) with a plurality of cable keepers (168) disposed on either side of the gap, and a cable (166) that slidably engages the cable keepers, for tightening the liner about the user's foot. A tightening mechanism (190) having a knob (192) is attached to the liner and engages the cable, whereby the user can releasably tension the cable. An aperture (126) including a grommet portion (130) in the outer shell is adapted to receive the knob whereby the user can tighten the liner without removing the boot outer shell.

Abstract: A boot that includes a sole and an outer upper having an impervious portion, with at least one outer reinforcing element assembled to the upper by cementing at least in the impervious portion thereof. Preferably, the reinforcing element includes a heel reinforcement and lateral tightening flaps.

Abstract: The plow includes a vehicle mount for mounting the plow to a host vehicle, and a main blade mounted to the vehicle mount The plow further includes a pair of wing blades pivotally mounted to the main blade for travel in an arcuate path relative to the main blade, and four bar parallel arm linkages and actuators connected between opposing ends of the main blade and each of the wing blades for supporting and swinging the at least one wing blade in said arcuate travel path throughout the full distance between a retracted position in front of the main blade such that at least a substantial portion of the at least one wing blade is disposed in overlapping relation with the main blade, and an extended position in substantial longitudinal alignment with the main blade whereby a plurality of plowing widths is provided. It should be noted that the blade is advantageously used for the plowing of snow, however the plowing of other materials is envisioned such as sand or gravel.

Abstract: The invention provides a pin assembly and Implements connecting apparatus which can replace a working device such as a bucket or the like easily and for a short time. A first member (20) having a pair of brackets (18, 19) is connected to a second member (22) having a boss portion (21). First member (20) and second member (21) are connected so as to swing freely and mutually by inserting a pin assembly (17) having an outer tubular body (15) and a connection pin (16) rotatably connected thereto into one bracket (18), boss portion (21) and another bracket (19). In a connected state, outer tubular body (15) and boss portion (21) are fixed. Pin assembly (17) can be pulled out by applying a pressing force to an opposite side in an inserting direction of pin assembly (17).

Abstract: An iron skirt formed by a blank cut off from a hollow profile.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for tensioning fabric and particularly, but not exclusively, to a method and apparatus for tensioning a fabric support by a frame in a marquee. A tensioner (2) is provided with a mounting device (4) for mounting the tensioner to a frame (100) of a marquee and a connector (6, 8, 42), which connects the mounting device (4) to a fabric to be tensioned. The connector (6, 8, 42) includes a resiliently bendable elongate member, (6, 8) which is resiliently connected to the mounting device (4) and includes an engagement device (42) which engages the fabric so as to permit a transfer of force between the fabric and the mounting device (4). The tensioner thereby allows fabric to be tensioned in a convenient and rapid manner.

Abstract: A perpetual monthly calendar includes a front panel with a month grid of cells capable of displaying an accurate number and configuration of cells for any month. This embodiment also includes an at least semi-transparent sheet in front of the front panel with a write-on/wipe-off surface. Another embodiment includes a front panel, a first surface with a first number matrix, and a second surface with a second number matrix. The front panel displays a grid of cells with columns representing weekdays and rows representing the upper rows of a calendar and at least one lower row of a calendar. A window is cut out of the front panel in each cell, so that when the first surface or second surface is moved horizontally, the front panel displays an accurate number and configuration of days for any month.

Abstract: An integrated message card and transaction card holder includes a message card such as a greeting card or promotional brochure, and a holder for a securing a transaction card. The message card includes a cover portion which partially covers a transaction card placed in the holder, so that the transaction card is movable between a first position relative to the cover portion when the message card is in a closed state, and a second position relative to the cover portion when the message card is in an opened state.

Abstract: A label holder for labeling a rack-mounted computer system component is provided. The label holder includes an elongated body, a plurality of legs, and at least one retaining foot on at least one of the legs. Additionally, the holder may include one or more stiffening members and/or one or more shoulder ledges. The holder may be installed on a ventilation grating on a surface of the computer system component. The holder may be configured to allow air to flow between the holder and computer system component, so that cooling air is not prevented from flowing through the computer system component by the holder. At least one leg and/or the elongated body may be elastically deformable to allow at least one retaining foot to be engaged with an opening on the surface of the computer system component. Additionally, one or more of the retaining feet may have a beveled lower surface that may assist in installing the holder.

Abstract: A system and method for providing increased capacity to a firearm having an actuator operably connected to a trigger assembly is disclosed. A magazine for holding a cartridge for use with the firearm includes a plurality of tubes, each tube being defined within the magazine and including an open end. The plurality of tubes being axisymmetric about a longitudinal axis of the magazine. A retainer, mounted about the open end of the tubes and being adaptive to impede release of the cartridge from the open end of the tube, being operably meshed with the actuator wherein the retainer and the actuator cooperate to permit removal of the cartridge from one of the plurality of tubes.

Abstract: A firearm support apparatus for supporting a firearm during the discharge of the firearm. The firearm support apparatus includes a front support assembly being designed for being positioned on a support surface. The front support assembly is designed for engaging and supporting a front portion of the firearm above the support surface. The front assembly is designed for altering an angle of the firearm with respect to a target to accommodate for wind. A rail assembly is operationally coupled to the front support assembly whereby the front support assembly is selectively positionable along a length of the rail assembly. A rear support assembly is operationally coupled to the rail assembly opposite the front support assembly. The rear support assembly is designed for supporting a rear portion of the firearm when the front portion of the firearm is supported by the front support assembly.

Abstract: A turkey decoy base is provided having a generally semi-circular base defining a disc with a generally curved bottom portion having a flattened central section for enabling a turkey decoy mounted upon a rod extending from the top of the base to wobble, pivot, and swivel when pulled with a string or upon wind blowing the decoy. The base is formed having a counter-balance to hold the turkey decoy upright.

Abstract: A chum delivery container, or chumpot, which includes a base and a surrounding wall surface. The base and the surrounding wall surface define an open interior chamber and an open upper surface. The surrounding wall surface includes a plurality of perforations permitting release of the chum. An anchoring fixture is disposed at the base of the open interior chamber. A rope line for lowering the chum delivery container to an underlying surface is connected to the anchoring fixture. The open upper surface of the containment member can be sealed or unsealed and the rope line penetrates through the seal. A portion of the seal can be of a curvilinear shape and the seal can include locking tabs to facilitate removal of the seal from the container. The container includes a weighting material disposed at the base, and the container can be made of a luminescent material.

Abstract: A live insect container including a plurality of side walls and a bottom wall molded as a unitary structure, to form a hollow base, and having a common, peripheral, upper edge lying in a plane spaced-apart above the bottom wall, a first lid having a lower edge for fastenable sealing contact with the common, peripheral, upper edge of the base and including an upwardly oriented wall having a plurality of adjacent slots formed therethrough for allowing air currents to pass into and out of the container, a second lid formed in the first lid and pivotally openable upward therefrom to form, with the base and the first lid a fully enclosed container, a handle formed in the second lid, convertible from a first, carrying position, to a second, stored position, the second position out of conflict with the second lid during opening of the second lid, at least one hollow tube of terminal length for removable insertion through a one of the lids into the interior of the container, the tube first terminal end extending outs

Abstract: A pest control device (10), and a method of suppressing a pest, which can be discretely and easily placed, serviced and removed from the proximity of areas where pests, including rodents and insects, are likely to frequent, including the area near the floor-wall juncture (54) behind shelving (44) and/or products (52) or equipment. The pest control device (10) has a pest suppression device (18) having an ingress for the pest and an elongate arm (20?) with an overhanging structure (56) having a proximate end (24) and a distal end (26), the proximate end (24) of the elongate arm (20?) connected to the pest suppression device (20?) communicating with the ingress and facilitating a pathway for the pest from the distal end (26) of the elongate arm (20?) to the ingress. The pest suppression device (10) may be mounted on a platform (12 or 14) and the elongate arm (20?) mounted instead to the platform (12 or 14).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispersing a volatile composition, which method comprises dispersing the volatile composition into an air steam; and generating an ion wind, thereby causing the molecules of the composition to become electrically charged.

Abstract: A method for delivering a pesticide adjacent a foundation of a structure is provided. The method includes injecting the pesticide into a tubular conduit positioned proximate to the foundation of the structure. The pesticide is injected into the tubular conduit at a rate such that the internal pressure of the tubular conduit remains below a threshold pressure of the tubular conduit until the tubular conduit is substantially filled with the pesticide thereby preventing the pesticide from being discharged through pores of the tubular conduit as the tubular conduit is being filled with the pesticide.

Abstract: A preferred tool for killing insects and lifting small objects has a tool, an upper handle part (10); a lower handle part (12), a tool extension base (15); attached to a tool extension (14); by some form of hinge (16). A control rod (11) attaches, at one end, to the tool extension and to a positioner (13) on the other. The control rod (11) is positioned within the handle parts (10 and 12). A pad (45) with adhesive faced sheets (48) is attachable to the tool head formed by the tool extension base and extensions. In other models, the handle (51 and 65) is formed of a single part.

Abstract: A tree stand having a water reservoir and a plurality of tree support posts therein which are disposed inwardly of the side wall of the reservoir to position the posts close to the tree to minimize the stresses on the bolts which engage the tree for maintaining it in an upright position. The stand may be small enough for use on a table top and molded from a plastic resin, or it may have a reinforcing spike molded into the plastic resin for a stand used for larger trees.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of reducing weed growth or reducing pests involving applying to plant producing media particulate materials to a depth of at least about 1 cm, wherein the plant producing media to the depth comprises about 1% by weight or more and about 25% by weight or less of the applied particulate materials Also disclosed are methods of reducing weed growth involving applying to plant producing media or unwanted vegetation a film of particulate materials, wherein the film has a thickness of about 1 ?m or more and about 5 mm or less.

Abstract: A planter has a drainage spout that extends downwardly and outwardly to a drain opening horizontally beyond an underlying structure such as a porch railing.

Abstract: For an explosion-proof connection of two electric line ends (25, 26), the contact elements (27, 28) are accommodated in two tubes (1, 2), which can be joined in an explosion-proof manner. Each of the plug-in contact parts is axially secured in its tube by a radial projection (41) in the direction toward the end facing the other tube. At its line end, each of the tubes is closed by an end cap (42), which sealingly surrounds with a narrow outlet (44) the electric lines, including an insulation (43). The tube, in which the plug-in contact part with the contact pins is axially secured, extends beyond the tip of the contact pins, and has there an enlarged diameter, with which it surrounds the other tube (inner tube 1,3) with a narrow cylindrical gap (sealing gap 20).

Abstract: A door closing arrangement includes a first door closer for closing a first door leaf, the first door closer being positioned on the opposite side of the first door leaf from the its hinge, and a second door closer for closing a second door leaf. The distal end of the pull arm of the first door closer moves along a guide member in a direction towards the second edge of the door frame during movement of the first door leaf from a fully open position to a partially closed position and moves along the guide member in a direction towards the first edge of the door frame during movement of the first door leaf from the partially closed position to a fully closed position. The distal end of the second pull arm move along the guide member during closing of the second door leaf at least initially in a direction towards the first edge of the door frame.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus for a closure includes an elongated seal strip having a longitudinal length and including a flexible and resilient seal portion defining a substantially hollow cavity. The sealing apparatus further includes a bumper member comprising a bumper element positioned within the cavity. Methods of making a sealing apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A control method of a powered sliding device for sliding a vehicle sliding door slidably attached to a vehicle body with the power of a motor in the door opening direction and in the door closing direction, wherein when a first abnormal sliding of the sliding door is detected during the door closing sliding of the sliding door by the door closing rotation of the motor, the motor is rotated again in the door closing direction after being stopped for a specified time, and after that, the re-judgment of the abnormal sliding is performed, and when the abnormal sliding is again detected in the re-judgment, safety processing operation is performed.

Abstract: A riser section and cover is disclosed. The riser section has a smooth cylindrical sidewall surface, a removable anchor tab on the exterior surface and bosses and ribs on the inside of the sidewall. The riser sections are stackable. The cover has a channel end to removably connect to a riser section. The cover has stowable handles and posts extending from a bottom surface that define wells open at a top surface and which posts fit into the wells of another cover. A bracket is disclosed to releasably secure and position the cover with an attached riser section on a concrete form wall to hold the riser in place while concrete is poured into the form.

Abstract: A pliable, ductile plate-shaped roof flashing is disclosed. The roof flashing has a laminate structure comprising a composite layer and a foil sheeting on one or both sides of the composite layer. The composite layer comprises a carrier material and one or more non-structural constituents. At least one of the non-structural constituents comprises a heavy metal compound having a density higher that 3.5 g/ml.

Abstract: Earthquake resistant blocks or discrete structures are manufactured using pieces of low quality construction materials such as slag, concrete waste, chipped stone, Sirasu, etc. The pieces are placed in a mold and arranged in the mold so that they are in intimate contact with the mold sides and with each other throughout the mold. Once positioned, mortar or other concrete binding material is poured in to retain the low quality construction materials in contact with each other. When the blocks or discrete structures are placed adjacent to each other, such as when constructing arches, they absorb or dissipate the shock and vibration energies by having the sides of the blocks, and in particular the low quality materials within the blocks, in firm frictional contact. The amount of concrete used is greatly reduced and local and normally scrap material can be used and recycled.

Abstract: Retrofit connectors that secure together the outside sheathing and underlying structural members of wood-frame or masonry houses, preventing damage when subjected to lateral stresses from a hurricane, or transverse loads from an earthquake. The connectors have special bushings and bearing surfaces that tie the outside sheathing and underlying structural members together, but allow deflection, and transfer of energy to other structural members. Different embodiments of the connectors allow them to adapt to most wood-frame and masonry homes, and to most roof pitches.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in one embodiment, an awning that permits light and air to enter the structure to which the awning is attached, that can be utilized to protect against major storms, and that can pass strict building code standards testing. The awning includes a perimeter framework that is adapted to receive a removable rigid support plate. In an alternate embodiment, the invention provides a shutter that is inexpensive, easy and quick to manufacture, that can provide protection against major storms, and that can pass strict building code standards testing. The shutter includes modular louver sections that have an integral rigid backing plate.

Abstract: A thermal window insert includes at least two substantially parallel, substantially transparent sheets of flexible polymer material having a gap therebetween. The two sheets are bonded together at deformations formed in at least one of the sheets, and have a size approximately corresponding to the dimensions of a window opening in a building. A strip of resilient material is directly bonded to the sheets around the perimeter thereof, so as to seal the gap between the transparent sheets and to provide a seal between the window insert and the window opening. The invention is similar to storm windows, but is of a simpler and less expensive construction, and is easy to install, remove and store.

Abstract: Adjacent rows of flat, panel-shaped components disposed below one another, overlapping in a shingle-like way, form a covering of a roof or a facade. The components are preferably designed as photovoltaic elements. Disposed under the components in each case in the region between adjacently situated vertical rows is a section forming an upwardly open channel in order to receive and drain water running off next to the components. The section has sawtooth-shaped lateral parts on which the components are borne in their shingle-like configuration. By means of the lateral parts, a clearly defined support for the components is formed, and by means of the sections draining the water, seals between the components can be dispensed with even in horizontal direction.

Abstract: A waterproof-sheet type of roofing shingle comprises a belt-like tape attached to a bottom side of the roofing shingle facing a concrete slab. The belt-like tape has air passages for reducing a pressure of steam or vapor generated from concrete. The air passages are formed by projections or grooves and adapted to be in communication with air passages of an adjacent roofing shingle. The air passages are eventually in communication with an ambient atmosphere so as to vent the steam or vapor to the atmosphere, and therefore, bulging of waterproofing material is prevented from occurring.

Abstract: A panel door including a framework configured to form a support structure for the panel door. The panel door further including a set of surface covers configured to overlay the framework and be secured thereto to form both a set of stiles and a set of rails for the panel door, wherein the set of stiles includes at least one intermediate stile. The door includes a set of open spaces bounded by the set of rails and the set of stiles. The door further includes a set of panels secured in the set of open spaces between the stiles and rails.

Abstract: A plurality of building blocks (1) form a retaining wall (300), which may be curved, with respective side edges (6, 7) providing pivot points and a stepped base (5) of an upper block (1) being positionable on the upper surface (4) of a lower block (1). The gaps between the blocks 1, and their permeability, being made from permeable concrete, can avoid hydrostatic build up behind the wall (300). The permeability of the concrete used for the blocks (1) is in the range of 10?2 m/s to 10?4 m/s and may be in the region of 6.00×10?3 m/s.

Abstract: A connection in which an elongated strap or a connector having an elongated strap member is secured by a strap holder. Such straps and connectors are used in a variety of building applications, typically in connections that resist tension forces parallel to the main axes of the straps or strap members. A number of connectors with elongated strap members are in common use with a variety of structural members.

Abstract: A spacer and sealant assembly comprising a stretchable sealant support member having a planar surface bounded by first and second edges wherein said first and second edges have at least one pleated portion, a plastic shim having at least one undulating portion in contact with said first and second edges of said stretchable sealant support member so that said at least one pleated portion is oriented concavedly inward into said at least one undulating portion of said shim, a sealant joined to at least said first and second edges of said sealant support member.

Abstract: The apparatus is a rear extension on a conventional round baler that already produces round bales partially wrapped with plastic around only their cylindrical surface. The additional structure includes a table to receive the bale and rotate the bale so that the unwrapped surfaces face forward and back, after which pivoting arms aligned with the sides of the baler clamp the bale, lift it off the table, and rotate it end over end to continue the wrapping process around the previously uncovered ends. When the bale is completely wrapped, the baler's knife cuts the plastic sheet, and the arms continue pivoting rearward before releasing the bale onto the ground.

Abstract: A distinctive method and apparatus for accumulating selected articles can include an inputting of a plurality of individual articles (28) from an article supply source (26). Each article can have at least a first major facing surface (30), a first article dimension (32) extending along a first article direction, a second article dimension (34) extending along a second article direction which differs from the first article direction, and an article edge region (36). Each article can be directed to a first conveyor (50), and in a particular aspect, the first article dimension of each article can be aligned along a selected machine-direction (22). Another aspect can include an identifying of an article-set (70) which contains a selected, predetermined number of the articles. Further aspects can include a forming of at least one article-set which contains the selected number articles arranged in a stack or other arrangement suitable for packaging; and a moving of the article-set into a package.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing sealed packages containing pourable food products from a tube of heat seal sheet packing material fed along a vertical path and filled continuously with the food product. The tube is pressure gripped at equally spaced cross sections of the tube by at least two pairs of jaws acting cyclically and successively on the tube. The tube is cut at each of the cross sections along a respective parting line. The packing material of the tube is heated sealed on opposite sides of the parting line.

Abstract: In order to reduce the percentage of leaks in sealed packages, the sealing jaws contain one or more raised regions that correspond to problem areas for leaks, i.e., adjacent to back seals and folds in the package design. The raised regions are raised approximately 4-20 mils above the regions that seal the normal two layers of material.

Abstract: A packaging system includes a cushioning conversion machine for converting stock material into relatively low density cushioning material or dunnage and a packaging system controller. The packaging system controller provides packaging instructions related to a part or parts to be packaged and instructs the cushioning conversion machine to produce the cushioning material. In one aspect of the present invention the packaging system controller provides packaging instructions by retrieving a predetermined set of packaging instructions associated with a particular part. In another aspect of the present invention the packaging system controller provides packaging instructions by determining an optimized packaging methodology using one or more characteristics of the part or parts to be packaged. The packaging system also provides for automated inventory control and productivity monitoring.

Abstract: A newspaper storage and bundler device having a box shaped container, two pairs of opposing tie studs, each tie stud extending vertically in a stud inset, the stud inset being recessed from the top of a side panel or an end panel with an opposing tie stud extending vertically in a stud inset recessed from the top of the opposing side panel or end panel, each tie stud being anchored to the respective side panel or end panel.