Abstract: A work boot has an anatomatical tongue that is asymmetrical about a longitudinal centre line of the tongue. The tongue contains memory foam and shapes itself to a particular user. The memory foam causes the tongue to retain its shape. The side walls of the boot have J-bars extending inward therefrom. The J-bars also contain memory foam to comfortably fit the foot of a particular user.

Abstract: The uni-sex multi-sport footwear accessory is a flexible accessory shaped as an ankle band for use as an indicia-displaying device, and, includes an upper band adapted to encircle a wearer's lower leg, side straps depending from the upper band, a middle section adapted to encircle a wearer's ankle and a lower band dimensioned to extend beneath a wearer's foot. The upper band has several display areas with which to display indicia such as logos, team names and the like. The footwear accessory may have one or a number of fasteners located on various areas of the accessory, or the fasteners) may be omitted altogether. The footwear accessory may be reversible.

Abstract: Removable shoe weights applicable for use with any laced shoe to provide increased resistance wherein the user can increase muscle toning and caloric expenditure. The invention more particularly relates to an aesthetically pleasing, removable shoe weight having a flexible weighted mass secured by at least three attachment points to shoe laces. As such, the user can variably position the weights to be selectively worn throughout many alternative and sustained activities.

Abstract: A “RED e” cleat is a disposable, one-piece, self-adhesive, all-surface footwear cleat having four primary components: a non-skid gripping surface, designed to address all sport, game, play and work foot-traction requirements, along with advertising needs, a color or reflective enhancement for safety, a cushioning layer which enhances foot comfort, as well as light production and a bonding layer which includes a self-adhesive surface for attaching a “RED e” cleat to any footwear. These four components combine to form a disposable, one-piece, self-adhesive, all-surface footwear cleat. The “RED e” cleat respectfully replaces the need for specialty footwear, such as golf shoes, which incorporates permanently implanted or attached devices for affixing traction gear to the underside of shoes.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the fabrication of a color changing material that when placed on a pair of sneakers can provide a number of different color options for the consumer. The color of this material can be controlled by means of push pumps discretely located on the upper portion of the inside of each sneaker tongue.

Abstract: A device for selectively positioning a side wing relative to the side of a motor vehicle it Is mounted on and to the adjacent road surface is disclosed. The device Includes first and second longitudinal end members pivotally connected to the vehicle side and to a rearward end of the side wing about vertical axes; the front end of the wing is usually connected adjacent the front end of the vehicle. First and second elongate rams that are angularly positioned relative to one another are connected to the first and second end members. The first and second rams operate in parallel relative to each other for selective operation of the side wing from a position adjacent the vehicle side and away from the ground surface to a position in operative engagement with the road surface at an adjustable angle relative to the vehicle side.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydromechanical driving device for generating forward-pushing movements of a band-shaped filter material according to the pressure which prevails in the fluid that is to be filtered in order to operate band filter devices. Said hydromechanical driving device comprises: a hydraulic accumulator (29) that is provided with a movable element (31) which separates a first storage space (33) from a second storage space (35).

Abstract: A submersible boom that includes: a support system containing a substantially horizontal support member; a boom curtain formed of a flexible fabric material, the boom curtain being suspended from the substantially horizontal member; and means for raising and lowering the substantially horizontal support member between first (with the substantially horizontal support member at least partially above the surface of a body of water) and second (submerged) positions. Use of the boom in accordance with a method of allowing boat traffic ingress into and egress from a region within a body of water is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for attaching a first part in the form of an instrument or a tool to a second part in the form of a beam or such on a working machine comprising, on each of the part, one engagement means fixed thereto, which are designed to be driven into engagement with each other so that the force of gravity on the first part holds the parts attached to one another. A first (17) of the engagement means is of the male-type having external surfaces converging towards each other and a second of the engagement means is of the female-type having internal surfaces converging towards each other in a corresponding way to said surfaces of the first engagement means for receiving and holding the first engagement means in the second engagement means under the influence of the force of gravity on the first part.

Abstract: A description is given of a business card (1) made of card or platic material, in which the edges (4, 5, 6, 7) are folded towards the “verso” (1v) and are shaped in such a way as as to form an openable wrapper (2) containing in its interior one or more soap leaves (3i).

Abstract: A frame for a license plate of a motor vehicle is attached to the license plate without fasteners. A rear surface of the frame includes a plurality of tabs which cage the peripheral edge of the license plate enabling secure attachment of the frame.

Abstract: An electric fireplace having a fire simulating assembly is provided with the invention. The fire simulating assembly includes a semitransparent light filter screen, a mirror glass wall and a dynamic light source. The dynamic light source includes fixed light source and a photic cover composed with many rotating centrifugal blades. There are many photic apertures in flame shape. The centrifugal blades rotate around the central of the light source. The said centrifugal blades are laid as follow: the rotating centrifugal blades are set at the periphery of the lighting lamps unjoined with each other. There are clearances between the blades. Light is reflected through the centrifugal blades. The curvature center of each centrifugal blade is not the same as the center axis of lamp whereby static bias and dynamic eccentricity are formed between the arc centers of blades and rotating center. The electric fireplace of this invention can achieve a natural effect of vivid, rising and leaping simulated flame.

Abstract: A simulated fish scale decoration includes a frame, a screen member mounted on the frame, and a plurality of bright pieces which are connected to the screen member and which overlap one another to form a fish scale simulation. The frame includes a plurality of elongated supporting posts which are spaced apart vertically and which are transverse to a vertical line.

Abstract: A display assembly for attachment to a vehicle is provided that includes a panel assembly for receiving a display; a mounting arm removably extending from the panel assembly; and a strap assembly having a connector portion connected to the mounting arm and a strap portion for removable engagement with a rail of a roof rack that is mounted on the vehicle.

Abstract: The modular multi-configurable display has a series of box frames and provides variable positioning for appurtenances. The display can include a plurality of vertical columns, and generally horizontal trusses. The columns are capable of receiving the trusses at each end of the columns. Each box frame can be stackable with another box frame such that the vertical span of the display is adjustable. Appurtenance can be attached at various positioning locations to the display such that a myriad of modular configuration combinations are available to an exhibitor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a publicity medium which is intended to be used during outdoor or indoor commercial, sporting or other types of events. The device includes flexible panels, the panels being stretched over and/or fixed to a support structure. The support structure has an assembly of tubes which are inflated at a relative pressure of between 0.15 and 0.8 bars.

Abstract: A memorabilia storage system for recording, organizing and preserving mementos is disclosed. The memorabilia storage system provides electronic templates which facilitate recording of event data on an information sheet. A memento may then be associated with an information sheet and numerous information sheets may be stored in an archive journal.

Abstract: A napkin band is adapted for being wrapped around a napkin folded or wrapped around one or more utensils to hold the components together in a service pack. In an embodiment, a napkin band includes a first end and a second end, an outer surface and an inner surface, and a first attachment area on the inner surface at the first end configured to overlap with and connect face-to-face to a second attachment area on the outer surface at the second end to secure the napkin band in a secured position. The napkin band also includes an interior printed area defined on the inner surface between the first and second ends.

Abstract: A composite art work and a process for producing the same are disclosed. The art work comprises a representation adhesively affixed to a relatively smooth backing and an artistic frame contiguous with the representation. At least a portion of the frame is produced from a forming medium applied to the backing such that edges of the representation are substantially indistinguishable from an art form produced from said forming medium.

Abstract: A picture frame assembly in which tiles bearing letters, numerals, symbols or other indicia are affixed to the frame or to the glass protecting the framed picture to provide a personalized or customized appearance is provided. The tiles may slide within a groove integrally formed in the frame or be magnetically attached to the frame. In the non-magnetic embodiment, the tiles have raised rails extending from the perimeter of the tile which hold the tile to the frame. The rails may be spring loaded (retractable) for easier mounting. Alternatively, the tiles may be mounted to an optional holder that is then affixed to the frame or protective glass by adhesive or other means.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for mounting an optical sight on a rifle has an elongated rail and a mounting base projecting downwardly from the rail for securing the rail on a rifle. The rail has an upwardly facing channel extending along its length for receiving a mounting element of a first type of optical sight, the base of the channel having a plurality of openings for receiving fastener devices for selectively securing an optical sight at a selected location along the length of the rail. The opposite sides of the rail each have a plurality of spaced tabs forming a Picatinney rail for mounting a second type of optical sight having a mounting element for engaging over the Picatinney rail. The mounting rail therefore combines the mounting formations for two different types of optical sight in a single rail.

Abstract: An illumination source to assist in the identification and verification of a target is preferably contained within a hollow, waterproof tube that is similar in dimension and also performs the function of the conventional guide rod it is designed to replace in a pistol. An activation switch will, in its preferred form, make or break the circuit between the power source and the LED's that provide the illumination. The power source is also contained within the aforementioned tube that preferably resides within the pistol directly under the barrel.

Abstract: A scope assembly for use with a projectile firing device including an erect image telescope mounted upon the device. The telescope includes a housing with a series of spaced apart lenses, a reticle display field being disposed along an optical path established within the telescope and which is viewable by a user. A laser range-finding scope is housed within a component in parallel disposed fashion relative to the erect image telescope, the range-finding scope incorporating a microprocessor and timer in operative communication with a pulse generator and an infrared projector. The distance to the target is measured by the laser, pulse detector, and timer. The data is transmitted to the microprocessor which determines the vertical position required to hit the target. The compensated target aimpoint is then illuminated in the reticle display field as a horizontal line.

Abstract: An imaging system for use with an optical device. The system comprises a lower housing having an input portion and an output portion. An upper housing is coupled to the lower housing and has an optical port. A primary lens is disposed within the lower housing. A secondary lens is disposed within the upper housing. The imaging system also includes a recording device. Light rays from the optical device, representing a visual image, are directed to the input portion and are split by the primary lens into a first image and a second, identical image. The first image is directed to the output portion for viewing. The second image is directed to the secondary lens, deflected by the secondary lens, directed to the optical port, and coupled to the recording device. The recording device generates visual data corresponding to the second image.

Abstract: A tilt indicator for use on a firearm includes a signal to indicate if the firearm is level or out of level. The signal is located to be viewed by a user via the user's peripheral vision and his secondary concentration so the user can maintain his primary concentration on the target.

Abstract: For a firearm sighting device with an electrical illumination device that can be turned on and off by means of a switch, the switch is embodied and arranged in or on the sighting device such that, for the conventional attachment of the sighting device on the firearm, the switch is activated mechanically to turn on the illumination device by the activation of an actuator provided in or on the firearm for setting the firearm into the armed state. By disabling the firearm, the switch is activated mechanically to turn off the illumination device. Preferably, the activation of the switch is performed using a non-contact method, for which, in particular, the configuration of the switch as a reed contact is suitable. The switch can also be part of a retrofit kit, by means of which a sighting device for a firearm can be equipped at a later time with the previously mentioned function. Here, the switch of the retrofit kit replaces a standard switch operated by hand separately from the firearm.

Abstract: Magnetically attached decoy wings which are each characterized by a wing of selected size, color and design, fitted with a mount collar sized to slip-fit on each ferrous drive shaft of a decoy, with a magnet provided in the bore of each mount collar for contacting and exerting an attractive magnetic force upon the ferrous drive shafts when the mount collars are seated on the respective drive shafts. Each mount collar is slip-fitted on the corresponding drive shaft or on an adaptor inserted on the drive shaft, to facilitate easy attachment and detachment of the wings to and from the drive shafts and each mount collar is designed to rotate, both with the drive shaft and with respect to the drive shaft, to avoid damage to the wing or the decoy if the rotating wing or wings should strike an obstacle.

Abstract: A decoy holder is provided that releasably retains the keel of a keel-type floater decoy. The holder includes a central cavity in which the keel of a decoy can be inserted. The holder includes a generally flat base that supports the decoy in an upright position on solid ground.

Abstract: A blended fish chum system using dry fish food modified for buoyancy to either provide for a desired floating characteristic or a desired sinking characteristic. Fish oil is added to the fish food used for floating characteristics and fish oil is added to the fish food used for sinking characteristics. A starter fish chum comprising sinking fish food to which crustacean oil is added, is mixed with the combination of sinking fish food and fish oil. The floating fish food mixture, which has been dried, is blended with the sinking fish food mixture, which has also been dried, to form the blended fish chum. The mixture ratio is varied to achieve desired floating or sinking characteristics of the resultant blend. The resultant blended fish chum is added to a self regulating mesh bag with its clip/draw string, which is vacuum sealed to ensure freshness and long term dry, non-refrigerated storage.

Abstract: An electronic flasher lure having a generally flat slightly trapezoidal panel with oppositely bent ends and a transversely projecting fin on the rear end thereof and a voltage emitter secured thereto which is actuated by the motion of the lure when it is trolled.

Abstract: A fishing jig lure has a fish hook mounted on a glass body with an epoxy resin. Light emitting particulates mixed with the epoxy resin emit visible light when subjected to an external light source.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder bucket having a pair of rod holders affixed to the upstanding wall of the bucket. One rod holder is oriented in a first slanted direction and the second rod holder is oriented in a second slanted direction opposite to the first direction, whereby the bucket is positioned during use such that one rod holder and its retained fishing rod slant to the left side while the other rod holder and its retained fishing rod slant to the right side, such that the distance between the fishing rod tips is maximized in order to decrease the likelihood of rod tip interference and line entanglement.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fish bait comprising L-proline and a natural bait material held in a slow-release matrix, wherein the L-proline is present in an amount greater than that found in the natural bait material. The bait is intended mainly for use in commercial long-line fishing.

Abstract: A fishhook for use in catch and release application or when it is desired to inflict minimal damage to the fish. The hook comprises an eye, shank, bend and point. One or more dogs are located on the bend, the shank, or both. The dogs comprise non-barbed raised surfaces or structures. In one or more various embodiments the dogs comprise toroidal shaped raised surfaces, star shaped raised surfaces, raised surfaces with rough outer edges, raised surfaces having inwardly sloping side surfaces, crescent shaped raised surfaces, raised surfaces comprising nubs or cone shapes, or any combination thereof. One or more dogs may also be located on the shank.

Abstract: A dual bait toxicant station includes a wick that can be moved to access a liquid reservoir, thereby activating the liquid feeding portion of the station. The wick can be selectively forced downward into the reservoir by activation of a lid which can have a bi-stable portion. The station may have a pie wedge-shaped top view, with multiple entrances along an arc portion of the station side.

Abstract: An insect trap apparatus includes a trap housing having at least one inlet and at least one outlet. A source of suction is located within the housing and is in fluid communication with the inlet for drawing insects through the inlet. Insects are caught in a trap cup that is in fluid communication with the inlet. The trap cup has a screen having at least one crest and at least one trough.

Abstract: A trellis system includes trellis assemblies supporting wires. The wires are retained on wire clips mounted on folding arms. The arms include first and second portions that are pivotally mounted to one another and to a support. The arm assemblies have locks for retainably positioning the first and second portion of the arms relative to the one another and to the support portion of the trellis. In a first embodiment, the trellis is configured as a vertical position trellis, in a second embodiment as a “T” type trellis and, in a third embodiment, as a lyre type trellis. In each configuration, the arm assemblies are moved from a lowered position during the dormant season, to a partially raised position when the vines achieve partial growth, and to a raised, extended position as full growth is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a soil-less sand based root zone medium for the production of sod. The present invention is also directed to a method for the production of sod using a soil-less sand based root zone medium and a sod mat produced by the method of the present invention.

Abstract: Method and system for optimizing plant production in a cost effective manner. System (100) includes a processor (102) in communication with resource controllers (110, 112) for controlling resources (106, 108) such as, for example, lighting and carbon dioxide. Each resource has a cost that varies temporally or with other factors. The processor implements an algorithm that receives a desired plant production rate and other input, such as operating conditions of the system and environment, and determines amounts of each resource to expend consistent with plant production goals and resource costs.

Abstract: A plastic container for collecting rain water in a cavity (22). The essentially closed upper side is shaped like a trough (16) which is embodied as a carrying surface.

Abstract: This invention provides a container and associated growing process that promotes the growth of at least two different, specialized types of roots and that provides the optimal conditions for these two types of roots. In particular, the container defines an upper section that promotes growth of a fine intricate web of roots that is surrounded by an organic, non-organic or mixed organic and non-organic nutrient-rich medium. This upper section is separated by a permeable medium divider that allows predetermined quantities of water to pass into the upper section (to maintain desired moisture in the nutrient medium (soil), while a lower/bottom section contains a reservoir of hydroponic water that may be relatively free of any nutrients (e.g. “non-nutrient” water). Extending from the upper root ball are a series of water-drinking straw-like roots that transpire water directly from the non-nutrient reservoir and that are continually exposed to massive amounts of atmospheric oxygen.

Abstract: There is provided a reformer for a fuel cell system, the reformer comprising: a reforming unit having a reaction substrate in which a catalyst layer is formed in a plurality of flow channels for allowing fuel to flow and for generating hydrogen through a reformation reaction of the fuel using thermal energy. When viewing a cross-section perpendicular to the flow direction of the flow channels, the reaction substrate defines each flow channel by a bottom portion and a pair of wall portions extending from the sides of the bottom portion, and a joint between the bottom portion and the wall portion is formed in a rounded shape.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell unit and a gas-generating system containing at least one reforming unit for obtaining a hydrogen-rich reformate from a fuel. It is possible to supply the reformate at least partly to the anode side of the fuel cell unit. The system may include a first reforming reactor for producing a first reformate with a high outlet temperature; a second reforming reactor for producing a second reformate with a second outlet temperature which is below the first outlet temperature; a mixing element for mixing the first reformate with at least one fuel and located between an outlet of the first reforming reactor and an inlet of the second reforming reactor. The second reformate may be supplied to a gas-purification system and the purified reformate supplied to the fuel cell unit.

Abstract: The fuel reforming apparatus according to the present invention comprises a reforming unit having a reforming catalyst for steam-reforming a raw material of a hydrocarbon and a heater for heating the reforming unit to generate a hydrogen gas by heating the reforming unit while supplying the raw material and water to the heated reforming unit. This fuel reforming apparatus can recover the activity of the reforming catalyst by heating the reforming catalyst in a reducing atmosphere and, therefore, the present invention eliminates the need for replacing the poisoned reforming catalyst and makes it possible to recover with ease the decreased activity of the reforming catalyst.

Abstract: A garage door sealing member used for installation on a garage door along a bottom edge that contacts a floor when the garage door is closed. The sealing member is an elongated, polymeric member having and a length at least equal to the length of the bottom edge of the garage door. The sealing member has a slit along the length thereof to form adjacent edges along the length of the sealing member. The adjacent edges are resiliently separable to permit the slit to be widened to at least the thickness of the bottom edge of the garage door to thereby permit the bottom edge to pass therethrough. The sealing member encloses the length of the bottom edge of the garage door, the adjacent edges of the sealing member springably and/or frictionally gripping the length of the bottom edge. Thus when the door is closed the outer wall of the sealing member and floor form a seal. Preferably the hollow member is hollow and substantially cylindrical.

Abstract: A windows opening/closing driving device is mounted on a building and connected with a plurality of windows, including driving means fixed on the building, returning means fixed on the building, a rope passing by the windows and having two ends respectively connected with the driving means and the returning means, and a plurality of connecting members each having two connecting portions respectively connected with the rope and one of the windows.

Abstract: An louver rotation mechanism for use in rotating a louvered shutter having louvers rotationally engaged with a frame. The device features one or a plurality of gear modules which are positionable to a fixed location on one or a plurality of rack bars. The gear modules may be spaced on the rack bars to any number of positions wherein they will engage with louver gears from an array of louvers engaged with the frame. A high degree of customization is provided by allowing the use of the rack bars with any number of different sized louvers at different spacings in a frame by simply adjusting the positions of the rack modules for operative engagement with the louver gears.

Abstract: A blind slat assembly for door/window Venetian blinds includes a door/window frame made up of a plurality of side brackets wherein the left and right side brackets are provided with a plurality of retaining holes disposed at the corresponding inner sides thereon respectively for blind slats to be mounted thereto, and a linkage rod is attached at the same side of the blind slats thereon. A thicker locating rod is disposed at the center of the blind slat thereon, and a protruded coupling section is extending at both ends of the central locating rod thereof respectively to be registered with the retaining holes of the left/right side brackets thereof so as to attach the blind slat onto the door/window frame thereby.

Abstract: Blind slats for door/window Venetian blinds include a door/window frame made up of a plurality of side brackets wherein the left and right side brackets are provided with a plurality of retaining holes disposed at the corresponding inner sides thereon respectively for blind slats to be mounted thereby, and a linkage rod is attached at the same side of the blind slats thereon. Each of the blind slats is formed of a flexible embodiment with a locating member attached at both shorter lateral sides thereon respectively to be registered with the retaining hole of the of the left/right side brackets thereof so as to attach the blind slat onto the door/window frame thereby. Via the flexibility thereof, each blind slat is capable of being pushed at both lateral sides thereof till slightly bent into an arc shape, permitting the locating members thereof to detach from the retaining holes of the left/right side brackets according to the deformation of the blind slat thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for opening and closing a door (2) which is arranged so that it can slide on a vehicle (3). The apparatus comprises an engaging element (5), such as a cable, connected to the door (2), and a drive wheel (6) designed to act upon the engaging element (5). A transmission (7) is operatively connected to the drive wheel (6) and the transmission (7) is designed to transmit power to the drive wheel (6) via at least a first gear and a second gear. In one embodiment the transmission may have a neutral position so that the drive wheel (6) can rotate freely. A position sensor (8) is connected to the sliding door (2) in order to detect when the sliding door (2) has reached a predetermined position in the door opening. The transmission (7) then changes gear from the first gear to the second gear. The invention also relates to a vehicle provided with the apparatus according to the invention and to a method of fitting the apparatus according to the invention to a vehicle.