Abstract: A dewatering apparatus for removing water from the interior volume of a closed, loaded clamshell dredging bucket. The dewatering system comprises at least one conduit adapted for support from a clamshell type dredging bucket. The conduit has a first end adapted for placement within the interior volume defined by a closed dredging bucket, and a lower second end disposed to allow communication between the space surrounding the exterior of the dredging bucket and the interior volume thereof. The conduit is positioned so that the first end thereof is disposed within an upper layer of retained water contained in the interior volume of a loaded clamshell dredging bucket when the same is moved to the closed position and lifted above the dredging area with a load of sediment and water therein. The upper layer of water is drained by gravity through the conduit and the lower end thereof for removal from the interior volume of the clamshell dredging bucket.

Abstract: A mechanism for retaining a pre-selected orientation of a front-end loader bucket at all points throughout the working range of the lift arm assembly is presented in this submission. The linkage system is designed to allow rotation of the bucket from a tilted back position to a fully dumped position throughout the range of the lift arm assembly without limiting the range of the lift arm assembly and to provide strength and mechanical integrity to its components at any orientation of the lift arm assembly or the bucket. Special consideration is given to the action of the dumping mechanism when the lift arm assembly is located at the extreme raised and lowered positions.

Abstract: A lip assembly is disclosed. The lip assembly comprises a lip having an upper surface, a lower surface, a front portion, and a rear portion. A plurality of holes is disposed between the front portion and the rear portion. The lip also includes support members. Each support member is disposed adjacent to a hole within the plurality of holes and is positioned to inhibit movement of a tooth assembly coupled to the hole. A plurality of tooth assemblies extend away from the lip and are respectively coupled to the lip via the plurality of holes. The lip assembly may be used with an excavation bucket body.

Abstract: A lip assembly is disclosed and includes a lip having an upper surface, a lower surface, a front portion, a rear portion, a first side portion, a second side portion, and a plurality of holes disposed between the front portion and the rear portion and extending from the upper surface to the lower surface. The first and second side portions are on opposite sides of the front portion of the lip, and the front portion, the first side portion, and the second side portion include projections and valleys. Tooth assemblies extend away from at least the front portion of the lip and are respectively coupled to the lip via the plurality of holes.

Abstract: A backhoe coupling for joining members of a backhoe attachment is provided, the coupling having a pivot pin assembly that includes a pivot pin and a retaining plate. The pin has a groove for receiving the retaining plate. The retaining plate has an edge that is sized to fit into the groove and prevent it from being extracted. The groove has two blocked regions on opposing sides of the pin that prevent the pin from rotating freely with respect to the retaining plate.

Abstract: A message board assembly including a support layer, a top layer, and a magnetic attachment layer. The top layer is coupled to a top surface of the support layer and may include a dry erase surface. The magnetic attachment layer is coupled to a bottom surface of the support layer and extends substantially across the entirety of the bottom surface.

Abstract: An advertising stand (1) to be used in a winter sport resort, comprised of frame portion (4) and of a foot portion (5) placed under the snow cover and a frame portion (3) placed above the snow cover. The upper and lower portions (3, 4) are profiles and between them one or more advertising surfaces (2) can be fixed, and a frame profile (3) above the snow cover is arranged as performance place of the winter sport resort, as a rail, on which it is possible to move, for instance with a snow board.

Abstract: The LADDER BLOCK is an innovative engineering control device that when used properly will prohibit access to and use of incomplete or unsafe scaffolds and work platforms. The LADDER BLOCK should be used in conjunction with administrative controls and safety policy and procedures that provide the user with an additional method for the prevention of falls from elevations. The LADDER BLOCK offers the construction industry a ladder access prevention device that has heretofore been unavailable. This device will help reduce personal injury to workers and minimize direct and indirect costs to employers.

Abstract: A method of making a label, the method having the steps of providing a first label; providing an identification strip; mounting the identification strip to the first label; providing a second label; and coupling the second label to the first label without using an adhesive.

Abstract: An outrigger for mounting a dual-panel sign to a display system, the dual-panel sign having a first panel and a second panel positioned opposite the first panel. The outrigger includes a support end configured to be selectively coupled with the display system, an attachment end configured to be selectively coupled with the dual-panel sign between the first panel and the second panel, and an intermediate portion extending between the support end and the attachment end. The first panel and the second panel shield the attachment end from view. The support end, the attachment end, and the intermediate portion are each integrally formed of a rigid material. Sign assemblies and display systems provide additional advantages.

Abstract: A combination picture retaining and item storing device that has an integrally formed plastic structure. The structure includes at least two sidewalls that extend from a base. At least one of the sidewalls has a hole formed through the sidewall. A storage area is disposed adjacent and integrally formed with the at least two sidewalls. A separate picture retaining member having a translucent planar body including first and second parallel portions are joined at a radius. The first and second parallel portions allow for retention of a picture in a gap formed by the opposing portions. Retaining features formed on an inner surface and around a periphery of the hole positions the picture retaining member within the periphery of the hole and allows for easy removal of the picture retaining member.

Abstract: Imprinting an identification indicia on a cartridge in a difficult context, such as on a coated cartridge or on a high power cartridge. A marking indicia is formed on a base surface located in the interior surface of a cartridge chamber containing the cartridge and includes marking lands raised with respect to the base surface and a maximum marking indicia elevation above the base surface that is coplanar with the interior surface. The marking indicia is thereby recessed with respect to the interior surface and the identification indicia is thereby recessed with respect to the imprint surface.

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: Adjustable stock for rifle, characterised in that it is divided into two elements by cutting: element (1) remains integral with the barrels and is connected to element (2), which rests on the shoulder of the shooter, by means of pins (8) whose position can be adjusted by screws (10, 11, 12) which allow relative movement of the two elements both laterally and vertically, one in relation to the other, for accurate regulation of the aim on the target.

Abstract: A handgrip apparatus for firearm includes a hollow housing defining a handgrip surface and forming an enclosure. A fastener is connected to the housing for removably attaching the handgrip apparatus to a fore-end portion of a firearm. A retractable leg assembly is movable between a retracted position and an extended position and includes a pair of pivoting legs usable as a bipod support when the leg assembly is in the extended position.

Abstract: An optical rangefinder includes an optical portion for directing optical radiation from a generator to and through an optical aperture, and for directing reflected energy of the optical radiation that is received back through the aperture to a detector, the optical portion having an optical switch. In a first operational mode the optical switch routes optical radiation from the generator in a manner that facilitates the directing of the optical radiation to and through the optical aperture, and in a second operational mode the optical switch routes the reflected energy in a manner that facilitates the directing of the reflected energy to the detector. A control portion is responsive to the detector, and controls the generator and the optical switch.

Abstract: A portable ballistic unloading device for unloading a ballistic round from a weapon having a barrel, includes a hinge between a pair of clamshell sides. A releasable fastener partially seals the container closed leaving an opening into the cavity in the container. The opening is sized to snugly receive a barrel of the weapon inserted through the opening and into the cavity. Flexible ballistic material is mounted to the hinge and to the clamshell sides. A barrel guide mounted in the cavity cooperates with the opening into the cavity so that the barrel of the weapon, when inserted through the opening, is urged into, and maintained, substantially perpendicular to the hinge.

Abstract: A device includes structure that can support the device on a weapon. One version of the device includes a first sight that facilitates weapon orientation in preparation to fire a first munition, and a second sight that facilitates weapon orientation in preparation to fire a second munition different from the first munition. A different version includes first and second sights that each facilitate weapon orientation, and an electronic control portion that is operatively coupled to and simultaneously exerts control with respect to each of the first and second sights, the first and second sights each displaying targeting information generated electronically by the electronic control portion.

Abstract: A dual sighting optical sight is provided. The sight provides non-inverted images through a rear window and at least one side window so that a user may view a target from either a rear or a side, respectively, of the weapon to which the sight is mounted. The sight is adjustable to a plurality of different positions so that the user can use the sight and weapon from other than directly behind the sight weapon.

Abstract: A reconfigurable modular interface system for an integrated and standardized weapons system is disclosed. An upper accessory mount is provided that includes one interface for mounting to the desired primary mounting component, such as a firearm. The upper accessory mount further includes a second interface along its bottom edge for attaching accessories thereto. Accessories to be mounted into the modular interface system may either include mating formations that are provided as integrated OEM parts or through the use of retrofit adapter panels mounted to the secondary device.

Abstract: A positively aligning, quick mount assembly for interfacing an auxiliary sighting device such as an optical scope with a firearm is disclosed. The positive-aligning quick mount device includes a sight receiver that is attached to a firearm utilizing a firearm interface and includes a mounting ring that supports the sighting device and is configured to be received and retained by the sight receiver. It is further designed to allow quick and easy mounting, removal and re-mounting of auxiliary sights on any firearm while eliminating the need to re-adjust or zero the scope when it is replaced in its mounted position on the firearm.

Abstract: A unified swivel snap device provides optional rotational motion for use as fishing tackle to couple lures, bait hooks, and weights to a main fishing line. Embodiments include a rod rotatably held within a housing and a snap configured to lock the swivel by attaching to both the housing and the rod. Embodiments of the swivel can be unlocked by attaching the snap to the rod alone and allowing the rod to swivel relative to the housing. The swivel snap can be used for enhancing a variety of fishing mechanisms including the shank of jigs and the spindle of lures and other apparatus attached to fishing lines. Embodiments of the locking swivel snap can be used in other applications which call for selective locking of swivel motion.

Abstract: A fish hook with a point that comprises three or four facets is described herein. The point of the hook is sharp and sturdy and can penetrate easily. The fish hook may also have a dual-angle point.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for luring attack-prone, rabies-infected mammals (e.g., carnivores, bats) into restraint and/or euthanasia but not luring normal, uninfected animals.

Abstract: Use of a Fischer-Tropsch derived gas oil, and/or of a fuel composition containing it in operating a diesel engine and/or a vehicle which is driven by a diesel engine is provided, to clean a diesel engine. Method for assessing a diesel fuel composition, involving measurement of engine fouling levels is also provided. Use of a Fischer-Tropsch derived gas oil in a diesel fuel composition, optionally together with a detergent, to reduce and/or clean up engine fouling is also described.

Abstract: Carbonaceous materials are thermally upgraded in a pressurized steam environment to remove moisture and other byproducts. A variety of water/solid separation devices may be employed in a process vessel to maximize moisture removal from the upgraded charge. Heating media inlet nozzles and process chamber vents are strategically positioned at the process vessel wall to minimize short circuiting of heating media to vessel outlet vents and to continuously separate hot water removed from the charge and condensed steam, such that the upgraded material removed from the process vessel is not discharged with accompanying free moisture. After upgrading, the charge may be rehydrated to improve its stability during shipping and storage.

Abstract: A plant protection device having a ventilation opening shield that may be protectedly positioned between a housing and a mounting socket. A temperature sensitive actuator may be provided in the socket and the shield may pivotally move about the socket between a position impeding airflow through the ventilation opening and a position facilitating airflow through the ventilation opening. Various embodiments and features are disclosed including a reinforced housing, multi-part housing construction, and a shield mounting structure provided through the shield, among other features.

Abstract: A barrier against arthropods crawling along a surface comprises a soft pliable polymer collar portion adapted for tight and substantially continuous receipt against a surface. A mounting portion secures the collar to the surface and serves to preventing relative motion between the collar and the surface. A generally continuous flared skirt member extends from the collar and is comprised of a soft pliable polymer having a arthropod-deterring ingredient molded therein. The skirt defines an unobstructed access opening opposite the collar. The opening is defined by an end of the generally continuous skirt.

Abstract: A collapsible and/or erectable shape-sustaining container having a substantially erect condition and substantially collapsed condition. The collapsible and/or erectable shape-sustaining container is provided with at least one condition modifying element to facilitate erecting and/or collapsing the container.

Abstract: A collapsible and/or erectable shape-sustaining container having a substantially erect condition and substantially collapsed condition. The collapsible and/or erectable shape-sustaining container is provided with at least one condition modifying element to facilitate erecting and/or collapsing the container.

Abstract: A collapsible and/or erectable shape-sustaining container having a substantially erect condition and substantially collapsed condition. The collapsible and/or erectable shape-sustaining container is provided with at least one condition modifying element to facilitate erecting and/or collapsing the container.

Abstract: A collapsible and/or erectable shape-sustaining container having a substantially erect condition and substantially collapsed condition. The collapsible and/or erectable shape-sustaining container is provided with at least one condition modifying element to facilitate erecting and/or collapsing the container.

Abstract: A collapsible and/or erectable shape-sustaining container having a substantially erect condition and substantially collapsed condition. The collapsible and/or erectable shape-sustaining container is provided with at least one condition modifying element to facilitate erecting and/or collapsing the container.

Abstract: A collapsible and/or erectable shape-sustaining container having a substantially erect condition and substantially collapsed condition. The collapsible and/or erectable shape-sustaining container is provided with at least one condition modifying element to facilitate erecting and/or collapsing the container.

Abstract: A collapsible and/or erectable shape-sustaining container having a substantially erect condition and substantially collapsed condition. The collapsible and/or erectable shape-sustaining container is provided with at least one condition modifying element to facilitate erecting and/or collapsing the container.

Abstract: A wrapper for wrapping a flower pot and/or floral grouping or another item such as a basket. The wrapper is constructed of a sheet of material having an extension attached to a portion of the sheet of material. When the wrapper is formed about a flower pot, floral grouping, or other item such as a basket to form a decorative cover, upper edges of the sheet of material and extension cooperate to form a skirt portion preferably having at least two separate edges providing a “two-sheet” effect in the decorative cover. The wrapper may have extensions on opposing ends of the sheet of material and may having one or more additional overlapping extensions.

Abstract: A wrapper for wrapping a flower pot and/or floral grouping. The wrapper is constructed of a sheet of material having an extension attached to a portion of the sheet of material. Preferably the extension has a lace pattern thereon. When the wrapper is formed about a flower pot to form a decorative cover, upper edges of the sheet of material and extension cooperate to form a skirt portion preferably having at least two separate edges providing a “two-sheet” effect in the decorative cover. The wrapper may have extensions on opposing ends of the sheet of material and may having one or more additional overlapping extensions.

Abstract: A sleeve used to wrap items such as potted plants. The sleeve may have an open or closed bottom. When closed, the bottom may have a gusset for allowing expansion upon the depositing of the pot into the sleeve. The sleeve has a detachable upper portion. The sleeve has a bonding material disposed upon an inner and/or outer portion of the sleeve for crimping the sleeve adjacent the pot to hold the sleeve about the pot.

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system including a flexible floral sleeve having a base portion and a skirt portion, and optionally an upper detachable portion which may be sized to surround a plant disposed in a flower pot. The base portion is generally made from two flat panels substantially free of overlapping portions and the skirt portion has a plurality of overlapping portions which allow the skirt portion to expand outwardly from the upper end of the base portion.

Abstract: This invention provides methods, devices, and kits that are useful for growing plants and germinating seeds and that improve the delivery of oxygen by promoting growth of air roots. The devices of this invention include a vessel for containing a liquid, a suspending means for suspending a plant or seed in a gas above the liquid; a liquid delivering wicking filter supported by a filter supporting means. The filter has one or more holes. At least a portion of the filter is at about or above the surface of said liquid and the filter contacts the liquid and delivers the liquid to the seed or plant. The filter decreases the likelihood that a first root of the plant grows through the filter and into the liquid or increases the mass of a root that grows in the gas, each relative to an equivalent context without a filter. The filter is designed to allow none or some of the roots to grow into the liquid, water roots, while directing some roots to grow in the air, air roots, above the filter.

Abstract: A combustor preheater (94) is provided for use in a fuel processor (20) to preheat a combustor feed (40) by transferring heat from a post water-gas shift reformate flow (32) to the combustor feed (40). The combustor preheater (94) includes a housing (92) defining first and second axially extending, concentric annular passages in heat transfer relation to each other; a first convoluted fin (96) located in the first passage to direct the post water-gas shift reformate flow (32) therethrough and a second convoluted fin (98) located in the second passage to direct the combustor feed therethrough.

Abstract: A fatty acid such as an acetic acid or a butyric acid is added to a fuel gas for a fuel cell as an odorant. This makes it possible to add an odor to the fuel gas without poisoning an electrode catalyst and an electrolyte, and to prevent the odor from remaining in an exhaust gas emitted from the fuel cell.

Abstract: Revolving door Comprising two stationary drum walls that are located diametrically opposite one another and with entrances and exits located therebetween, wherein the drum walls are attached to a ceiling construction covered by a front strip, wherein the drum walls and/or rotating leaf and/or a center rotating part to which the rotating leaves are attached are/is provided with profiles and panes of glass are held in the profiles, wherein lighting means are provided at least in one or more of the profiles.

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

Abstract: A window regulator assembly including a shaft having a pinion gear and a counter balance spring mounted on the shaft which winds or unwinds as the shaft rotates. A spring housing is mounted on the shaft. A cable-guiding drum having an inner gear is driven directly by the pinion gear, as the drum has a rotational axis that is offset from a rotational axis defined by the shaft, thus providing mechanical advantage. A casing houses the spring, spring housing and the drum in abutting relationship. A guide such as a rail is disposed on at least one of the spring housing and the drum for maintaining rotational alignment of the drum relative to the shaft.

Abstract: In a door closer (100) that includes a striker (ST) provided on a body of a vehicle so as to be engageable with a latch (12) provided on a trunk lid, a closer mechanism (20) that pulls in the striker (ST) put in engagement with the latch (12) to close the trunk lid, and a closer driving unit (30) that actuates the closer mechanism (20), the close driving unit (30) includes two driving motors (32u, 32b), two worms (33u, 33b) provided on the driving motors (32u, 32b), and a worm wheel (34) engaged with the worms (33u, 33b), and the closer mechanism (20) is actuated through rotation of the worm wheel (34) caused by driving of the driving motors (32u, 32b).

Abstract: A finger protection device (2) for a door or window comprising attachment means (5) for attachment to either a door or window or a corresponding door/window frame, which door or window is arranged for relative movement with respect to its frame, and abutment means (4) connected to the attachment means (5) and biased towards an opening created by movement of the door or window out of its corresponding frame.

Abstract: An improved abrasive composite tool having a compositional gradient is disclosed and described. The composite tool can include a first region including abrasive particles, a second region, and a transition region connecting the first and second regions. The transition region can have a compositional gradient from the first region to the second region. The transition region can have compositional gradients among materials such as metals, ceramics, diamond-containing materials, polymers, or composites of such materials. The compositional gradient can include multiple intermediate regions or may transition directly from the first region to the second region. Most often, the transition region can be formed by vapor deposition methods such as PVD and CVD. Advantageously, the transition region can be formed on an abrasive tool to provide improved chemical and/or mechanical erosion resistance.

Abstract: A non-penetrating seismic roof support that provides for a solid platform for the attachment of various pipe and equipment support devices with a positive means to secure both the support and the supported piping system or equipment to a building's structure in a fashion that further enables the support to be readily flashed to the roof s moisture proof membrane in order to prevent potential leakage of water into the building's interior.

Abstract: An improved driveway gutter having a flexible gutter mat bridging the trough in the gutter for improving driving over driveway gutters. The mat is made of flexible material such as heavy rubber. The mat is placed with its flat bottom bridging the gutter, and fastened down by bolts in recessed holes in the mat. Because the mat is flexible, when a car drives over the mat it is forced down to conform with the gutter, and the top of the mat smoothes out the gutter for the car. When the weight is removed the mat springs back into shape bridging the gutter, so that the passage of water is not impeded.