Abstract: A drying apparatus and method of drying a wafer including supplying a drying material for drying a wafer and controlling a flow of the drying material to uniformly or substantially dry the wafer. The flow of the drying material may be controlled by a vent unit including at least one part for controlling the flow of the drying material to uniformly or substantially uniformly dry the wafer.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for drying granulate material in a hopper by controlling the amount of gas which flows through the hopper to heat and to dry the granulate. The control allows to use a minimum amount of gas for heating the granulate to the drying temperature and to dry it with an optimal low energy consumption. This effect is reached by controlling the amount of gas flowing through the drying hopper as a function of the temperature difference between the temperature of the heating gas leaving the drying hopper and the granulate to be heated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluid bed processors used in various industries for drying, coating, agglomerating, and performing other specific processes on particle materials. The processor is especially useful for processing particles, utilizing a hydro dynamically active layer (HDAL) produced by introducing a high speed gas jet through said particulate material under controlled conditions. The processor is adapted to be implemented in a plurality of different fluid bed applications and results in much more efficient particle processing, and a significant savings in energy consumption. The present invention also relates to a method comprising the steps of introducing particulate material into the processing chamber and passing a high-speed jet gas through a plurality of nozzles located in the base of said processing chamber, thereby producing distinct regions of low pressure so as to create an intense, substantially circulatory pattern of gas circulation into which said particulate material is picked up.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a semiconductor process wafer drying process, the method provides a semiconductor wafer having a process surface disposed in an enclosed drying space following exposure of the process surface to water; supplying a solvent vapor to the drying space at a predetermined concentration from a solvent vapor source and at least one solvent vapor supply line; determining at least one of a solvent vapor concentration and a solvent vapor temperature in the drying space; and heating in response to the determined solvent concentration at least one of at least a portion of one of the solvent vapor source, the at least one solvent vapor supply line, and at the drying space to alter the solvent vapor concentration in the drying space.

Abstract: A dryer and a dryer control method using a sensing unit and a timer to vary drying operations depending on the state of drying laundry are disclosed. The method for controlling an automatic dryer having a drying part including a heater, a fan, and a drum includes the steps of operating the drying part while monitoring an internal temperature and an internal humidity of the drum, continuously operating the heater, the fan, and the drum until the internal temperature reaches a predetermined temperature, and operating the fan intermittently when the internal temperature reaches the predetermined temperature. The method further includes operating the heater intermittently when the internal humidity reaches a predetermined humidity, discontinuing heater operation upon lapse of a first predetermined time, discontinuing fan operation upon lapse of a second predetermined time, and discontinuing drum operation upon lapse of a third predetermined time.

Abstract: A dryer control method provides for selection among a plurality of dryness levels so that the user may select a desired degree of dryness for any given type of laundry. The method includes steps of selecting one among a plurality of dryness levels; driving a drying unit holding laundry; sensing a value indicative of a water content of the laundry; comparing the sensed value with first and second predetermined values; measuring a time required for the sensed value to reach the second predetermined value from the first predetermined value; computing a drying time based on the measured time; and stopping the driving step upon expiration of the computed drying time, wherein the first and second predetermined values determine a reference value corresponding to the selected dryness level.

Abstract: A dryer for drying a tobacco product including a drying device structured and arranged to dry the tobacco product passing through the drying device. The dryer further including a measuring device arranged to produce a measurement signal related to an input moisture of the tobacco product before the tobacco product is supplied to the drying device. Moreover, the dryer includes a controller structured to variably control a product mass stream passing through the drying device as a function of the measurement signal. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drier, more particularly a drier and a method of controlling drying for the same for prohibiting a heater form operating with an error and controlling a quantity of a power needed drying. For the process, the present invention is to provide a device (320) for checking whether a blower (31) is normally operated or not, a plurality of heaters, and a plurality of switching devices for controlling the heaters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of delivering one or more volatile materials, during the operation of a drying apparatus, to a fabric article. The present invention also relates to fabric treatment compositions comprising one or more volatile materials. These compositions may be used to treat fabric articles during the fabric article drying process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a boot for applying medicine to a foot for a variety of conditions. Wearing the boot allows one to perform job and domestic duties while treating a foot. The present invention has a sole beneath an upper with a waterproof interior. The sole has a generally foot shape in a variety of sizes. Additionally, the sole incorporates heating discs and appurtenant wiring. The wiring exits the sole and runs to a switch and a box containing batteries. To use the boot, a person places fluids, or water, and medicine into the boot. The person then inserts a foot into the boot and turns on the heating discs which then heat the sole and the fluids to a comfortable temperature.

Abstract: A sole for a shoe to increase circulation in the wearer's foot during forefoot intensive activities. The sole includes a midsole having at least one protrusion disposed in a forefoot region thereof and a plate having at least one receptacle disposed therein wherein the plate is fixedly attached to the midsole such that the receptacle aligns with the protrusion. The diameter of the receptacle is approximately equal to the diameter of the protrusion, so that the protrusions flex within the receptacles in a trampoline-like fashion. An outsole is fixedly attached to the plate and the midsole, wherein the outsole is disposed underneath the entire length of the sole. A forefoot region of the outsole includes an exterior portion and a softer interior portion. Several projections are disposed on the softer interior portion to provide additional pressure points in the sole.

Abstract: An insole includes a top layer made of non-woven fabric and pumice powder is mixed with the non-woven fabric. A soft layer made of foam material is connected to an underside of the top layer.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a flexible insole having a ball portion arranged below the ball of the user's foot, the bottom surface of the ball portion containing a plurality of transversely-arranged longitudinally-spaced flex grooves that define therebetween a plurality of flex bars which impart a desired degree of flexibility to the insole. A longitudinally-extending shank slot is provided beneath the arch portion of the insole member for receiving a bowed semi-rigid shank member that supports the arch portion of the user's foot. An annular sealing gasket may be provided in a sealing channel that extends around the flex grooves, flex bars and shank slot, thereby to prevent moisture from entering the depressions in the bottom of the insole member.

Abstract: Illuminated footwear including a translucent sole insert housing LEDs, preferably of different colors which may be combined to produce a wide array of colors is provided. The heel similarly includes a translucent insert and includes an interior mirror material and an illumination source. An on/off switch in the toe of the footwear is connected in a circuit with a replaceable battery, a control processor and the LEDs. The control processor includes logic that may dim, strobe, or shut off all or some of the LEDs. In operation, when the device is activated, the LEDs are illuminated. The light from the individual LEDs is blended and reflected by the interior mirror materials in an outward direction from the shoe. The translucent material in the sole and heel of the shoe allows the blended light to pass through to create a pleasing visual effect.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gear unit, in particular for foundation engineering devices, comprising a gear housing and a pressure device for changing an internal pressure present in the gear housing. For a precise pressure balance to the environmental pressure it is intended that an active setting device is arranged which can be controlled by a control device in order to change the internal pressure. The invention further relates to a method for pressure balance related thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed are various constructions of origami papers and origamis using the origami paper. The origami papers include one or more various features, such as luminescence, fragrance and pressured folding lines. The fragrance and luminescence features can be introduced to origami papers by forming one or more layers of luminescent and/or fragrant materials. The pressured folding lines can be made by compressing the origami paper or its base material. The origami papers make paper folding easier and the resulting origamis more attractive. Also, disclosed are an origami kit including the featured origami papers and a themed collection of origamis.

Abstract: A folding device is composed of a disposable paper product, and includes a number of panels connected to each other via shared folding junctions. At least some of these panels include preprinted content, some of which includes indications for new content to be written responsively to the preprinted content in corresponding blank spaces. A wide variety of business, informative, and advertising/promotional interactive content is thereby provided in a surprisingly novel format, which doubles as a mundane functional object such as a napkin. This double function allows the folding annotation device to be disbursed widely in social settings where it can be readily and conveniently available to perform more sophisticated functions including conveying informative, advertising/promotional and other content along with indications for the users to record their own written content responsively to the preprinted content.

Abstract: A license plate lock having a rectangular back bar for mounting over the front face of a license plate, a lock mounted on the back bar, a rectangular front bar for installation over the back bar, a catch mechanism on the back bar for engaging the lock in its locked position, and relatively slidable rails on the back and front bars configured to permit the front bar to slide relative to the back bar along its longitudinal axis. The back bar has a pair of apertures therethrough dimensioned and spaced for receiving standard fasteners used to affix a vehicle license plate to a standard vehicle license plate holder, the front bar covering the fasteners when installed over the back bar. The rails comprise pairs of opposed, spaced fingers sized and configured to permit the front bar to fit over the back bar with the fingers of the front and back bars in relative sliding engagement.

Abstract: Display inserts are often inserted in a product for use as an advertising display. A common use for a display insert is to insert it into the central opening of a tire for use as an advertising display for the tire. The disclosed display insert includes a front panel section. The display unit further includes a rear panel section connected to the front panel section. The rear panel section includes a plurality of tabs.

Abstract: A portable illuminated display device arranged to be mounted on various items, such as windows of vehicles or businesses or on garments. The device includes an illuminatable display panel, e.g., an electroluminescent, OLED, LCD or LED panel, and an associated driver/control unit. The display panel is made up of various illuminatable areas or segments arranged to be illuminated in a predetermined pattern and sequence by the driver/control unit to produce an animated display of graphic and/or text.

Abstract: An apparatus for displacing slide elements (3) in an apparatus for displaying characters, preferably a price label, which consists of a basic part (1) comprising openings (3) for receiving the slide elements (3) and a visible surface (1a) and a reverse side opposite of the same, with the slide elements (3) being arranged in a displaceable manner from a first position in which a face side (5) of the slide elements (3) is visible from the visible surface (1a) of the basic part (1) to a second position in which the face surface (5) is arranged in the basic part (1) at a distance behind the visible surface (1a) and is substantially not visible.

Abstract: This Baby Alert device is used to remind the driver of the vehicle that their child or baby is in the back seat. This device is to be placed by the buyer in the middle of the dashboard of the vehicle. It must be visible to the driver. When it is not in use, the device can be fold down by the driver.

Abstract: A multi-positionable display apparatus includes a mounting plate, a sign holder, a latching mechanism, and a flexible hinge coupling the mounting plate to the sign holder. The sign may be displayed on a flat surface, such as a box, or may be displayed freely hanging from a store shelf or the like. When hanging from a store shelf, the multi-positionable display allows removal of items from lower shelving without the removal of the multi-positionable display from the shelving.

Abstract: A signage system includes a folding A-frame sign and at least one ground engaging support that is used when the sign is in its deployed, unfolded orientation. The support interdigitates the deployed sign to constrict and stiffen the sign and to prevent the sign from folding and collapsing and from being laterally displaced. In addition, the support functions as lever that utilizes the weight of the sign to minimize the likelihood that the sign will tip over when subjected to an extraneous force. A user can, while standing, readily attach the support to the sign by utilizing one of his or her feet. The support can be used with different sign constructs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a barricade sign that is compact, portable, safe, durable, versatile, and weather/wind resistant. The barricade sign distinguishes a base and a lid that are pivotally connected together. The base supports the lid and has a compartment for storing one or more safety cones or signs that can be reduced to a small volume, or any other items related to road safety. One side of the lid has a positioning element for securing the cones in place. The other side implements a desired sign. The connection between the base and the lid is configured to hold up the sign in a stable, sustainable, wind resisting manner in absence of impact and to collapse, fold, close, or break upon impact. In such an encounter, the overall height and the layered or curved shape enable the barricade sign to act like a speed bump, thereby minimizing or eliminating damages.

Abstract: An improved identification band such as a wristband is provided for mounting onto a specific person or object. The improved identification band includes a primary identification zone adapted to receive human-readable and/or machine readable information as by printing and/or programming of a radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit. The band further includes multiple detachable adhesive labels forming a portion of the band or alternately forming a tail end extension thereof, wherein each label is adapted to receive human-readable and/or machine readable information as by printing and/or programming of a radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit. In use, such as when worn by a patient in a hospital or the like, the detachable labels are individually separable from the identification band on an as-needed basis for adherence to other objects associated with the band wearer, such as a vial containing a patient blood sample or the like.

Abstract: An ornamental device comprising a primary emblematic with a space between the primary emblematic and the surface of an object the primary emblematic is attached to, the space providing a receptacle to releasably hold a second emblematic either frictionally or magnetically, the device combining two completely separate and independent emblems to create a new message.

Abstract: An image recording medium includes a base member having an image recording face on which an image is recorded, and a holding member which is operable to hold the base member at an angle of predetermined degree with respect to an installation face for the base member.

Abstract: In a picture frame formed of extruded metal sections, each section has a channel for receiving a portion of a corner piece. The corner piece has two L-shaped plates that fit into the receiving channel. A set screw accessible through a gap between two spaced-apart lips at the back of the frame is used to secure adjacent sections.

Abstract: A gun having a firing mechanism and a barrel. The barrel has a breech end coupled to the firing mechanism, a muzzle end, and a bore having a length which extends longitudinally between said breech and muzzle ends. The length of the bore between the breech and muzzle ends is curved.

Abstract: A barrel assembly for a pneumatic paintball gun includes a barrel body and a barrel insert. The barrel body has a breech end, a muzzle end, and a barrel bore extending longitudinally through the barrel body from the breech end to the muzzle end. The barrel insert has a breech end, a distal end, and an insert bore, and is configured to be removably housed within a breech portion of the bore of the barrel body. The breech end of the barrel body is configured to attach to a breech end of the paintball gun. The barrel insert collaborates with the barrel body to provide a firing bore for the barrel assembly which guides a paintball fired from the breech end of the gun through the barrel and out the muzzle end of the barrel body. The barrel insert can be constructed having a thin, flexible wall so as to permit lateral deformation of the barrel insert.

Abstract: A rifle/gun steady shot sling device that is coupled to a hand-held firearm for offhand shooting. A sling strap is fastened to a mount that is affixed to a rifle or gun barrel of the stock. The device has a sling strap having an elongated sling and/or a butt sling. The elongated sling has a looped portion proximal the barrel and support hand of a user. In one embodiment, the elongated sling is coupled with a retractable strap releasably secured within a retractor. In operation, the elongated sling is unclipped from the butt of the rifle/gun while a user stands on a free end. The support hand is raised to aim the rifle or gun, thus causing an increase in tension along the length of the extended elongated sling which helps to steady the support hand and reduces or eliminates the upward recoil action of the firearm when fired.

Abstract: A gunsight reticle defines a system of dimensioned indicia spaced at specific separations to improve aiming accuracy of a gun. The indicia may include perpendicularly intersecting center vertical and center horizontal hairlines, and four (or more or less) horizontal range-marker lines disposed at specific angular separations below the horizontal hairline in bisected relationship with the center vertical hairline. Spacing of the range marker lines below the center horizontal hairline is proportional to bullet drop at selected ranges, depending upon ballistic characteristics of bullet used. Relative lengths of said range-marker bars on each side of the central vertical crosshair are proportional to a specific crosswind (say 10 mph) at target range reflected by respective range marker. The method involves employing this reticle to determine distance to target, and using distance thus determined to ascertain a precise aiming point on the reticle.

Abstract: A motorized wildfowl decoy designed to mimic the random, back and forth, swimming actions of live waterfowl utilizing a through the keel, water jet propulsion system, and an anchor system. The propulsion pump, powered by a rechargeable battery, is located on the underside, in a cut out section of the water keel, near the front of the decoy body, with the discharge being routed through the water keel, then directed towards the water surface though a 45 degree bend, at the aft of the water keel, and out through a swim course correction orifice which is a rotatable cap on the end of the discharge tubing with an off-centered discharge hole. The propulsion system, combined with the anchor system, produces a random straight line then turn/change course, straight line then turn/change course action similar to the swimming actions live waterfowl use while feeding.

Abstract: A light adapted to be used with a fish landing net includes an LED illuminator, a base member structured to hold the LED, and a switch for connecting or disconnecting a circuit to the LED, where the base member is attachable to the fish landing net. A net light may have a switch disposed locally to the illuminator. The net may be collapsible. A net frame member may have a reflective tape or reflective coating surface opposed to the illuminator. The net may have reflective surfaces containing fluorescent pigment, optical filtering, in a pattern that replicates a fish-friendly environment, and/or in a pattern having a two-dimensional or three-dimensional spatial arrangement. A method includes adjusting or setting a light emission for avoiding scaring-away of fish. A method may include changing brightness of the illuminator. A method may include providing a positionable illuminator for changing a direction of the illumination pattern.

Abstract: A non-skin penetrative grasping means, preferably in the form of a plastic hook, extends outwardly from an openable case which fully encloses a fishing lure on its line, with the hook then being coupled to one of a reel of a fishing rod/pole combination and of an eyelet line guide thereon.

Abstract: A fishing accessory ring is provided, which advantageously provides at least one accessory ring near the reel seat or rod shaft. In one exemplary embodiment, the accessory ring comprises a first aperture configured to engage a circumferential portion of a support member, e.g., a rod or rod and reel combination, and at least a second aperture configured to extend away from such first aperture. In another exemplary embodiment, such accessory ring comprises an additional (third) aperture configured to extend away from such first aperture. In another embodiment, such accessory ring is configured with a first aperture configured to engage a support member, and a plurality of additional apertures positioned at least partially around the circumference of the first aperture.

Abstract: A trotline leader system for fishing including a trotline, with a plurality of clips, hangers, drop lines, and fishing hooks, each clip including a head portion, a neck and a base and each hanger includes a head, a shank and an eyelet. The head portion is connected to the neck which extends from the base which is adapted to receive the hanger head. The hanger head is connected to the shank which connects and seperates the eyelet from the head. The head portion includes a tab, a channel, a slot and an apeture, the tab extending from the head and forming the channel with the base, the channel leading to the slot which guides the trotline into the apeture. Each drop line is connected to and extends from the hanger eyelet to each fishing hook. In addition, the trotline may optionally include plastic beads or spherical weights to separate and secure each clip to the trotline.

Abstract: A removable and interchangeable limited resistance dive-action bait-navigating fishing bobber comprising, a substantially flat floatant body of an inverted tear drop design having a bottom slot containing a top notch for receiving a fishing line and a bottom notch for receiving a weight, a conical shaped weight having front and back ear extensions with a connecting rod that interlocks into the bottom notch of the slot in the floatant body retaining the weight to the floatant body. The top of the ear extensions forms a hole in the top notch of the slot retaining the bobber to the fishing line. The weight is removable from the floatant body when the rod is pulled out of the bottom notch allowing the bobber to be removed from the fishing line and the floatant body and weight to be interchangeable with other weights and bodies.

Abstract: Disclosed is a case structure for housing a fishing hook capable of holding a fishing hook in safe and being attached to a fishing rod case without movement. The case structure for housing the fishing hook includes: a case body having a fishing hook receiving part with a predetermined area for receiving and holding a fishing hook and a cover part coupled to the fishing hook receiving part to be opened and closed; and a projection formed on the fishing hook receiving part in such a manner as to be projected by a predetermined height from the top surface of the fishing hook receiving part for catching the fishing hook. The case body has an elastic fishing string mounted at one side of the case body and having a fixing ring, so that the fishing hook case can be attached to the fishing rod case without movement.

Abstract: An insect station for luring insects, baiting insects, trapping insects, monitoring insects or any combination of these functions includes a cover that can be moved to provide access to selected insect suppression devices, such as glueboards or baited pads. The insect station may have two changeable pad areas situated facing each other to provide a compact design. In addition, a base portion of the station may have a wall access opening to facilitate applying insecticide behind a wall. The insect station of the present invention may be used with any combination of attractant pads, bait, and glueboards, as well as many other insect suppression devices.

Abstract: A reduction in the formation or presence of peroxides in middle distillate fuels is obtained through the combination of a hydrocarbon additive with the fuel. Specifically, the middle distillate fuel is blended with one or more oxygenates. The hydrocarbon additive includes a polar function group and a tertiary hydrogen beta to the functional group. Middle distillate fuels incorporating the additive, the additive itself, and methods using the additive all retard the formation of or reduce the presence of peroxides in the fuel. The reduction of peroxides improves the durability of fuels systems elastomers, enhances fuel stability and color durability, and reduces the formation of fuel sediment.

Abstract: A method reduces combustion chamber deposit flaking and spark ignited internal combustion engines. The method includes supplying a fuel having an additive that includes a metal-containing compound to a spark ignited internal combustion engine. The metal-containing compound is supplied in an amount effective to reduce combustion chamber deposit flaking. In one example, the metal is manganese and the additive compound is MMT. The reduction or elimination of combustion chamber deposit flaking means a reduction in cold start emissions from the engine.

Abstract: An antioxidant composition effective for stabilizing gasoline and gasoline components contains from approximately 50-95% by weight of at least one Mannich base and from approximately 5-50% by weight of at least one amine. The Mannich base is derived from p-substituted phenols or from cashew nut shell liquid.

Abstract: Sulfonated compounds prepared by reacting at least one compound selected from the group consisting of formula (I) and (II), with gaseous SO3 in an equimolar ratio: wherein each Ph represents a phenol residue, n represents a number of from 2 to 12 and each R independently represents a moiety selected from the group consisting of C3-24 alkyl groups, C6-12 aryl groups, C6-12 hydroxyaryl groups, and C7-12 aralkyl groups; and methods of stabilizing asphaltenes in crude oil with sulfonated compounds are described.

Abstract: A module is provided that maximizes agricultural land usage. The module includes a water collection structure supported above agricultural land. The water collection structure may include a mechanism for distributing photonic energy to plants growing on the agricultural land; and a water distribution system for distributing collected water from said water collection structure to plants growing on the agricultural land and/or the soil in which said plants are planted. The present module may also include energy storage systems, thereby allowing the module to be partially or completely self-sustaining.

Abstract: A process for arranging flowers (22) is disclosed and comprises the step of providing apparatus (20) including a holder (28). The holder (28) includes a clamp (32) for each flower (22) and associated therewith in use, each clamp (32) being adapted to permit its associated flower (22) to be positioned at a display position relative thereto, and to grip around said flower (22) at a location proximate the junction of its blossom portion (24) and stem portion (26) when said flower (22) is so positioned. The apparatus (20) also includes a body (30) connecting the clamps (32) to one another such that, with each flower (22) disposed at its display position, the blossoms (24) screen said holder (28) in it least top plan view, the holder (28) being sufficiently light-weight such that it is supported with respect to the flowers (22) by the clamps (32) in use. The process further comprises the step of positioning each flower (22) at its display position relative to the clamp (32) with which it is associated.

Abstract: The inventive plant holder is made of at least two layers of cloth like material and configured to hold soil for a live plant for both indoor and outdoor use. The invention allows the plant to be irrigated without detriment to the holder by allowing excess water to drain out a target area, but keeping the soil moist. The holder has an outer layer of material that allows for various types of decorative and custom designs.

Abstract: A portable plant container apparatus which can be worn by a user which allows constant monitoring of the growth of a plant. The portable plant container comprises a base and a cover securable to a user which houses a living plant growing in a tissue culture medium. The apparatus is transparent allowing visual monitoring of the plant growth. The method of using the device provides for growing the plant in the device and then transplanting the plant into the soil of a larger container.

Abstract: A plant saucer having a plurality of internal risers extending upward from the base of the saucer. The internal risers may be of any convenient height and shape to allow excess water to drain from one or more pots placed thereon. The risers may have a round footprint with sloped sides to provide easy mold release. The shape of the risers shown is flat with a textured top surface to promote traction between the pot and the riser. The riser may also have ribs extending up the sides of the riser to allow the riser to support more weight. The saucer has a plurality of feet extending downward from the base of the saucer. The feet are designed to hold the base of the saucer up from the floor on which the saucer rests. The material for the saucer may include an additive, such as Bacillus Thuringiensis (BT) to inhibit the maturation of mosquito larvae.