Abstract: A fluid-filled bladder with a reinforcing structure and a method of manufacturing the bladder and reinforcing structure are disclosed. In general, the reinforcing structure extends around the bladder, and the reinforcing structure is bonded to an exterior of the bladder. In some embodiments, the reinforcing structure is recessed into the bladder and extends along side surfaces of the bladder and between upper and lower surfaces of bladder. In manufacturing, the reinforcing structure may be located within a mold, and the polymer material forming the bladder may be bonded to the reinforcing structure during the molding process.

Abstract: A sole component and a method of manufacturing the sole component are disclosed. In general, the sole component includes a fluid-filled bladder and a reinforcing structure extending around the bladder. The reinforcing structure is bonded to the exterior of the bladder, and may be recessed into the bladder. In some embodiments, the reinforcing structure extends along the side surfaces of the bladder and between upper and lower surfaces of bladder. In manufacturing the sole component, the reinforcing structure may be located within a mold, and the polymer material forming the bladder may be bonded to the reinforcing structure during the molding process.

Abstract: A high heel shoe includes a cushiony midsole secured between the forepart of the insole and the outsole. The insole is padded and formed with a generally open forepart that is filled with a flexible insert. The midsole includes a stabilizing outer perimeter.

Abstract: An insole assembly for increasing the weight of a footwear and a heavy footwear having an outsole and/or a midsole made of a high specific gravity compressed resin to enhance exercise effect. The insole assembly (100, 200) includes a lower insole (110, 210) made of a compressed resin having a high specific gravity; an upper insole (120, 220) laid on the lower insole (110, 210) and a shock absorbing member (130, 230) attached to a heel of the lower insole (110, 210). The insole assembly is made of a compressed resin to increase the weight of a footwear to which the insole assembly is applied.

Abstract: A closure system comprises a hook and pile material having hooks on one side and pile on the other side. With regard to footwear, the present invention is a shoe comprising this material allowing a wearer to adjust the point of attachment of closure straps on the exterior of the outer member of the shoe, thereby allowing every shoe wearer to wear the strap across the throat of the shoe at a different location. With regard to apparel, the present invention is a closure system comprising a single-ply hook and pile material in which the overlapped piece, or the exterior piece attaches to the underlapped piece, or the interior piece that provides the wearer with the ability to customize the fitting of the apparel, including the tightness of the apparel around an individual.

Abstract: A sole construction for use in the manufacture of a shoe has an outer sole made of a soft and pliable natural or synthetic elastomeric material having a substantially uniform thickness over its entire area. The outer sole has a substantially planar external surface (when relaxed) for contacting the ground, with cuts formed therein to enhance grip. A puncture-resistant inner sheet of woven synthetic fibres is bonded to the internal surface of the outer sole and an inner lining is bonded to the puncture-resistant inner sheet. A removable soft insole may be provided on the inner lining. The sole construction is lightweight and highly flexible such that a foot of a wearer may flex in the same manner as if the wearer was barefoot with the puncture-resistant inner sheet protecting the wearer's foot from accidental injury from sharp objects on which the wearer may tread.

Abstract: A stability device that increases foot security on the footbed of a shoe, provides lateral or medial stability, shock dampening, and optimizes flexibility. The stability device includes a resilient bladder insert having a horizontal sole portion underneath a wearer's foot, and a foot portion positioned along a lateral or medial side edge of a wearer's foot. The sole portion and the foot portion are in fluid communication. The stability device can be generally L-shaped to cradle a portion of the foot. The stability device can also include a plurality of finger-shaped elements that encircle the top of the foot and expand down onto the foot due to an increase in fluid pressure therein.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprises a first sole including a lip having a plurality of bores from top to bottom of the first sole, the plurality of bores of the lip are spaced apart and disposed around its perimeter, wherein the plurality of bores receive a lace that extends through the plurality of bores for receiving a wearer's foot, and a second sole, wherein the first sole and the second sole are dimensioned and shaped so that the second sole is removably engaged with the first sole.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a dynamically-controlled cushioning system is disclosed. The cushioning system includes a sealed, fluid-filled bladder formed with a plurality of separate cushioning chambers, and a control system. The control system, which includes a CPU, pressure sensors and valves, controls fluid communication between the chambers to dynamically adjust the pressure in the cushioning chambers for various conditions such as the activity that the footwear is used in, the weight of the individual and the individual's running style. Certain adjustments can be made while the footwear is in use.

Abstract: A method for controlling movement of a work tool is disclosed. The method includes the step of identifying a predefined digging boundary and determining the current position of the work tool. A control signal is generated to change the position of the work tool. A requested motion vector is determined for the work tool based on the control signal. A determined force is generated to apply to the work tool. It is based on the requested motion vector and has a normal component that is scaled to prevent the work tool from crossing the predefined digging boundary. In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a control system for a work tool on a work implement assembly.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an excavating bucket are provided in which a spaced series of excavating tooth adapters are secured to a front edge of a lip portion of the bucket by welding opposite side ear portions of the adapters into complementarily shaped front edge recesses in the lip to thereby substantially strengthen the adapter/lip weld joints. Each adapter is configured in a manner such that no portion thereof extends rearwardly along the bottom side of the lip, thereby desirably reducing the vertical thickness of each adapter. Front lip edge protectors may be interdigitated with the adapters and suitably secured to the lip in a variety of manners, and replaceable tooth points are removably secured to front nose portions of the adapters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hinged tooth for a cutting wheel comprising a pivot bearing for pivotally supporting on a pivot pin located on a cutting wheel hub, a cutting tooth support extending from the pivot bearing and a steering arm extending from the pivot bearing substantially in a direction opposite to that of the cutting tooth support. A simple and at the same time stable arrangement is achieved in that the pivot bearing, the cutting tooth support and the steering arm are designed as a one-piece support.

Abstract: A craft kit for making pop-up cards having a plurality of pop-up construction elements of different configurations, each configuration of construction element being provided in plurality, each configuration comprising a sheet-like member with predefined fold lines and selective areas coated with adhesive for joining to a card and to a pop-up element to create motion in the pop-up element when a card is opened. Such a kit may contain multiple ones of multiple construction elements, with or without blank cards, or may simply include multiple construction elements, all of the same design, typically for use as replacements for those used from a larger kit, or of a special or new design not normally included in original kits. Various construction elements and their uses are disclosed.

Abstract: Many public transportation vehicles such as buses, subway trains, etc. are equipped with overhead, horizontal bars carrying passenger assist straps or hand holds. An advertising device for use in association with such straps includes a panel for receiving advertisements and a connector such as a bracket assembly, a C-clip or a strap for connecting the panel to a horizontal bar or a passenger assist strap.

Abstract: Decorative stemware products comprise a base having upper and lower primary surfaces with the lower primary surface defining an interior generally concave cavity and a decalcomania decoration with an image applied to the lower primary surface so that the decoration conformably covers at least a major portion of the lower primary surface of the base and the image is visible from the upper primary surface.

Abstract: A photovoltaic illuminating device, comprising solar cell, electronic circuit, two rechargeable batteries, an illuminating means and a display frame to illuminate during nighttime a house's street address numerals on a roadside mailbox or its supporting post, using solar energy collected and stored in the rechargeable batteries during daytime, is disclosed.

Abstract: A sign housing and adapted to receive a mock neon sign assembly. In one embodiment, the sign housing comprises two pieces including a first piece comprising the sides and the rear panel, and a second piece shaped to meet the peripheral edges of the sides of the first piece. An assembly including a housing and mock neon sign, the mock neon sign including a rear board having a light source, a middle panel overlying the rear board and including one or more shaped areas having configurations that complement the arrangement of the light source, and a front panel overlying the middle panel including a corresponding shaped area that permits light from the aforementioned light source to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A system and device to enhance the visibility of signs in low light conditions using multi reflective layers to enhance either ambient light or light induced through the front plate from external sources.

Abstract: Firing pins and breechblocks for firearms are disclosed. An example firing pin includes an elongated, generally cylindrical firing pin shaft. The shaft has at least one thickened guide section. The firing pin also includes a non-tapered end having a point. The non-tapered end comprises at least a portion of one of the at least one guide sections.

Abstract: Grenade launchers for attachment to gas-operated service rifles and carbines such as the M16 and M4 are improved by providing them with a trigger assembly that enables the shooter to deliver repeated hammer strikes to the primer of the loaded grenade without having to open the breach to reset the hammer and signals final aim indication via added trigger pull force.

Abstract: A projectile launch assembly includes a launch tube having distal and proximal ends and an inwardly extending dimple structure therebetween, the proximal end being configured to receive a firearm muzzle, a receiver disposed on the distal end of the launch tube and having connector structure at a distal end thereof for connection to a projectile, an energy absorbing plug disposed in the launch tube and having a proximal end portion adjacent the dimple and a body portion extending distally, and an energy transfer piston disposed in the launch tube and having a proximal end configured complementarily to the plug and having a distal end configured complementarily to a proximal end of the receiver. A bullet leaving the firearm muzzle is absorbed by the plug which is thereby moved with the piston distally in the tube, the piston engaging the receiver to propel the launch assembly and projectile from the firearm muzzle.

Abstract: An empty cartridge removing device of a dummy launcher for animal training having a fixed member of a fixed assembly pivotally assembled with a body of a firing assembly, the empty cartridge removing device comprising: a barrel adapted to be coupled with a coupling hole of the fixed member of the fixed assembly and having a guide projection extended therefrom, and an empty cartridge removing assembly for mating with the guide projection of the barrel therein such that a blank cartridge is partially setback from the end of the coupling hole of the barrel. When the cartridge is fired, the cartridge expands to the inside diameter of the coupling hole and the empty cartridge removing assembly. With the empty cartridge partially setback, the mechanical advantage of the empty cartridge removing assembly allows the empty cartridge to be easily removed from the dummy launcher.

Abstract: A tactical rifle scope is a one-piece structure including a main periscope body portion aligned with a red dot scope on the rifle and an angled periscope portion, with optics within the tactical rifle scope being sufficient to enable the user to be disposed at a “aim from cover” position.

Abstract: A motion-based decoy stand includes a base and a support axis extending from the base to a distal end. In one embodiment, the distal end can form a point. A mounting assembly includes an attachment interface and a hollow shaft connected to the attachment interface, the hollow shaft sliding about the support axis. The mounting assembly can be attached to a decoy where decoy legs would otherwise be present, and can allow the decoy to move with respect to the base. Mounting means and flexible restraints can be configured between the mounting assembly and the base to ensure the decoy moves within an expected range.

Abstract: A screening device includes a screen and frame, and is useful in permitting fishermen to detect conditions of the water to be fished for optimum bait and lure selection. The screening device allows a fisherman to collect aquatic insects rising through the water to be fished, thus alerting the fisherman as to the food being seen and eaten by the fish, and identify what depth the insects are in the water. With this knowledge, the fisherman can select the proper lure or fly to catch the fish present in the tested waters.

Abstract: The invention is a jig head wherein a weight is attached to an appendage extending from the shank portion of the jig head. The appendage can be either fixedly or slidably attached to the shank and the weight can be permanently or temporarily attached to the appendage. Depending upon the configuration, the design offers the ability to change or relocate the weight relative to the shank thereby changing the operational characteristics of the jig head without having to remove the jig head from a fishing line. In addition, decoration of the weight can be done independently of the manufacture of the jig head thereby reducing manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A deterrent device for delivering an electric shock to an animal, pest or bird to be deterred, having the typical components of a non-conductive base to which the electrically conductive elements are attached. Instead of the typically-used copper wire, however, the braided elements comprise smaller strands of a conductive material, such as copper, aluminum or stainless steel wire, is used and is mechanically attached to the non-conductive base. The braided elements can be mechanically attached using a simple sewing operation in which the braid is sewn to the base. Because of the mechanical attachment and the ability of the braided elements to flex in both contraction and extension, the device of this invention can be used in tight corners and other contorted locations without having the wires of the typical prior art device pull free of the base.

Abstract: A flexible blanket is made of plural layers including a pair of mutually insulated electrically conductive layers. Electrically conductive stitchings extend between the electrically conductive layers, and a top abrasion resistant layer and are exposed on its exterior surface. A voltage potential is applied between the conductive layers so that the exposed stitches can provide an electric shock to an animal's foot when it is brought into contact with the exposed surface.

Abstract: A poison bait device having a poison bait container which, in operation, is accessible to rodents such as rats and mice but which is inaccessible to other creatures including humans, birds, dogs, cats and the like, wherein the only access to the bait well is thru a relatively small diameter tube having a tortuous path such as curves thru which rats and mice must slither, and wherein the entrance(s) to said tube is generally planar and adapted for sufficiently close to the ground and substantially parallel to the ground plane whereby children, pets and birds cannot reach the bait.

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 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: The present invention relates to improved aqueous fuels for hydrogen generators and a method for using them in the production of hydrogen. The present invention also relates to a system of using the subject aqueous fuels to generate hydrogen gas for use in a fuel cell or other device. The subject fuels contain a mixture of boron hydrides, at least one of which is a metal salt, including metal borohydrides, higher boranes and metal higher boron hydrides. The subject aqueous fuels contain a mixture of boron hydrides having a positive ionic charge (+IC) to boron ratio of between 0.2 and 0.4 or between 0.6 and 0.99. Preferred fuels contain a mixture of boron hydrides having an (+IC) to boron ratio between 0.2 and 0.3 or between 0.7 and 0.8. Mixtures containing a metal borohydride also contain a metal hydroxide to stability it against premature hydrolysis in the aqueous fuel media.

Abstract: It has been discovered that compositions that are blends or mixtures of certain lubricity additives and corrosion inhibitors and/or stability additives can serve as improved lubricity additive compositions in distillate fuels. The corrosion inhibitors may include, but are not necessarily limited to, saturated or unsaturated monomer, dimer, and trimer fatty acids, succinic acids, imidazolines, and mixtures thereof. Suitable stability additives include, but are not necessarily limited to, amines, amides, amine/aldehyde condensates, polymer dispersants, and mixtures thereof, where the stability additive is different from the lubricity additive. It has been surprisingly discovered that less lubricity additive may be used in the compositions when the stability additive or corrosion inhibitor is present to achieve the same lubricity result, as compared with compositions that do not contain a stability additive or corrosion inhibitor, yet the same total amount of additive composition.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a heating fuel blend comprising a petroleum based fuel and a vegetable oil. The petroleum based fuel can be selected from diesel fuel, fuel oil, and kerosene. The vegetable oil may be crude oil, degummed oil, or a mixture of crude and degummed oil and is selected from the group consisting of soybean oil, cottenseed oil, rapeseed oil, corn oil, peanut oil, sunflowerseed oil, palm kernel oil, copra oil and other oils of similar composition produced by plants. In a preferred embodiment, the vegetable oil is present in an amount greater than zero and up to about 50% by volume, in a more preferred embodiment the vegetable oil is present in an amount greater than zero and up to about 20% by volume. A preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a petroleum based fuel and a soybean oil, where the soybean oil is present in an amount greater than zero and up to about 20% by volume.

Abstract: Provided are methods for binding particulate solids in a polymer fiber matrix utilizing composite waste products. A mixture of composite waste products and particulate solids is formed into solid products to create degradation resistant solid units which capture the particulate solids.

Abstract: A stand for potted plants includes a vertical support member for placement of potted plants on a vertical plane for the purpose of attractive display and compaction free soils as located within each pot. Lateral support for the vertical member is achieved through support fins buried within the bottom and largest potted plant.

Abstract: A tree support stake having a base and a trunk. The base includes a plurality of tines extending horizontally and radially from a center of the base. Each of the tines includes a vertical portion extending downwardly at a periphery of the base. One end of the trunk is connected to the base and the other end extends upwardly to a predetermined height. The trunk comprises a plurality of upward vertical extensions joined together and extending upwardly at various elevations along the predetermined height, and a plurality of horizontal bars protruding perpendicularly from terminuses of the upward vertical extensions.

Abstract: A plant watering system adapted to be communicated with a controlled pressurized water source for watering plants growing in a planting area. The system includes a water flow conduit having a first annular portion disposed in a horizontal disposition circumscribing the planting area and a cover ring disposed about and maintaining the first portion of the conduit in place about the planting area. The cover ring defines a plurality of inwardly facing cutout areas at circumferentially spaced locations thereon. A plurality of water outlet nozzles communicate with and project from the first portion of the conduit through the cutout areas in the cover ring for directing water from the conduit onto the planting area. A second portion of the conduit communicates with the first portion through one of the cutout areas in the cover ring and communicates the first portion with the pressurized water source.

Abstract: An improved quench ring in combination with a reactor vessel having a refractory lined reaction chamber with a bottom outlet and a floor to support the refractory lined reaction chamber, wherein the quench ring is protected by a protective barrier comprising dense refractory brick, dense refractory ramming mix, refractory ceramic fiber, and a metal apron support. The protective barrier is removably attached to a portion of the quench ring hotface and protects the quench ring from the high temperature of the effluent exiting the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A fuel reformer housing container includes a base, a lid, a supply pipe and a discharge pipe. The base has on an upper surface thereof a concave portion for housing a fuel reformer for generating reformed gas including hydrogen gas from fuel therein. The lid is attached to the upper surface of the base to cover the concave portion. The supply pipe supplies fuel to the fuel reformer, pierces the concave portion so that a front end thereof is joined to the fuel reformer, and holds the fuel reformer in a space between the lid and the concave portion. The discharge pipe discharges reformed gas and pierces the concave portion so that a front end thereof is joined to the fuel reformer, and holds the fuel reformer in the space between the lid and the concave portion.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator of the invention includes: a reformer for generating a hydrogen-rich gas from a feed gas and water by a reaction using a reforming catalyst body and sending it out from an outlet port; a material feed system for feeding the feed gas to the reformer; a burner for supplying, to the reforming catalyst body, heat generated by mixing a fuel gas with air and burning it; and an air supply system for supplying air to the burner; wherein, when purging an interior of the reformer using the feed gas in shutting down the hydrogen generator, an amount of the air supplied is increased to put out a flame of the burner, and a purge gas sent out from the outlet port by the purging is mixed and diluted with the air in the burner and is discharged outside.

Abstract: A fast light-off catalytic reformer and method includes at least one preferably substantially cylindrical reactor tube having an inlet for receiving a flow of fuel and a flow of air, a reforming catalyst disposed within the reactor tube for converting the fuel and air to a reformate stream, and an outlet for discharging the produced reformate stream. An ignition device disposed within the reactor tube initiates an exothermic reaction between the fuel and air. Heat generated thereby provides fast light-off of the reforming catalyst. An associated control system selects fuel and air flow delivery rates and operates the ignition device to achieve fast light-off of the reforming catalyst at start-up and to maintain the catalyst at a temperature sufficient to optimize reformate yield. The rapid production of high yields of reformate is particularly suitable for use in an on-board reforming strategy for meeting SULEV emissions with spark-ignition engines, especially with larger, higher emitting vehicles.

Abstract: A pet ventilation panel for a vehicle window opening is disclosed. The vehicle window opening is typically defined by a retractable windowpane movable within a window frame having upper, lower and opposed side frame members. The ventilation panel includes a selectively removable window insert formed from a single sheet of material. The insert has an upper edge adapted for engagement with an upper frame member of a vehicle window frame, and side edges adapted for engagement with side frame members of the vehicle window frame to cover at least a portion of the vehicle window opening. A central opening is defined by a continuous edge in the insert. The opening is sized and shaped to permit penetration thereof by the head of an animal disposed within the vehicle without permitting passage of the animal's body therethrough to prevent inadvertent escape from the vehicle by the animal. A mechanism is provided for maintaining the insert in position within the vehicle window opening.

Abstract: An unlock mechanism for a rotary door operator of a transit vehicle includes a pivotally disposed unlock member adapted for rotating a lock member into an unlock position and activating a valve for discharging the fluid pressure from the drive cylinder to enable manual opening of the door. A spring is provided for biasing the unlock member to a non-activated position. The unlock member may be activated either with a cable or a lever handle. A lock sensing switch provides a feedback on the lock condition to the transit vehicle control system. Additionally, a guiding bracket is provided for securing the cable in proximity of the unlock member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-coil spring assembly that is mounted in the weight pocket of a vertically operating window. The multi-coil spring assembly allows the user to connect any desired number of coil springs to the counterbalance connector to provide the desired amount of counterbalance force to the sash of a vertically operating window. The multi-coil spring assembly rotates into an interior portion of the window to allow simple and easy connection to the counterbalance connector and then retracts into the weight pocket in a recessed position for normal operation.

Abstract: A bumper strip, adapted for insertion inside a cut-out portion made in a door of a motor vehicle, has an outer plastic skin and an inner resilient pad. Preferably, the outer plastic skin has a triangular cross section and the inner resilient pad has a rectangular cross section. Also preferably, the outer plastic skin is flexible and the inner resilient pad is made of rubber. Furthermore, the outer plastic skin has a triangular tip at its narrow end. Moreover, the outer plastic skin is flushly mounted and color matched to the door. When the door is opened and it strikes an adjacent object, such as a parked car or a garage wall, instead of causing damage thereto, the outer plastic skin flexes and the inner resilient pad compresses like a sponge so that the bumper strip absorbs the shock of the impact without damaging the adjacent object.

Abstract: Methods for making fused, polycrystalline ceramic abrasive particles. Fused, polycrystalline ceramic abrasive particles made according to the present invention are useful, for example, as abrasive particles in abrasive articles.

Abstract: Methods for making fused, polycrystalline ceramic abrasive particles. Fused, polycrystalline ceramic abrasive particles made according to the present invention are useful, for example, as abrasive particles in abrasive articles.

Abstract: Methods for making polycrystalline ceramic abrasive particles. Polycrystalline ceramic abrasive particles made according to the present invention are useful, for example, as abrasive particles in abrasive articles.

Abstract: Methods for making fused, polycrystalline ceramic abrasive particles. Fused, polycrystalline ceramic abrasive particles made according to the present invention are useful, for example, as abrasive particles in abrasive articles.