Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a moisture absorbent hand-covering device that is in the form and shape of a glove for drying. In some embodiments, the drying glove of this invention has a first outer layer and a second inner layer. The outer layer comprises at least one layer of material with propensity to absorb at least one type of liquid. In some embodiments, the second inner layer comprises at least one layer of material with propensity to repel at least one type of liquid. The outer layer absorbs the liquid for the purpose of removing it. The inner layer resists passage of the liquid, and thus protects the hand of the user during operation. In some embodiments, the liquid absorbed is water, and the liquid repelled is water.

Abstract: An improved portable energy consuming device that uses an external power source to store kinetic energy in the device until a desired level is reached and then the external power source is disconnected from the device to form a portable device and an internal power source is automatically used to maintain the desired kinetic energy level. Thus, the external power source causes at least one device load to reach a desired operating level such as temperature and then, when the device is removed from a base on which it is mounted, the external power source is disconnected and an internal power source is automatically connected to the at least one device load to cause it to just maintain the desired operating level. A control circuit is coupled between the internal power source and its associated internal load to cause only sufficient power to be supplied to the load to maintain the desired operating level.

Abstract: A hair drying/styling appliance includes an ion emitting circuit which directs ion onto the hair of a user, and in which the level of ion output is variable and adjustable by a user. In preferred embodiments indicators such as a series of lights on the housing indicate the level of ion output.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating golf balls or golf ball components is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing that includes a back panel comprising a plurality of slots. The slots are preferably formed such that they are parallel to a plurality of trays of golf balls. The housing also includes a front panel that includes a plurality of openings that are substantially perpendicular to the trays of golf balls. The size of each of the plurality of openings may be varied based on a plurality of adjustable panels. Each of the adjustable panels may be capable of completely sealing an opening or being displaced to completely prevent obstruction of the opening. Heated air is preferably supplied via an air supply plenum that is capable of supplying air in a direction that is perpendicular to the back panel. The method and apparatus allow the interior of the housing to maintain a desired temperature differential and allow the rate of air flow to be manipulated.

Abstract: A serial thermal processing arrangement for treating a wafer of semiconductor material, comprising one or more of the following steps of: loading the wafer into a chamber at an initial station on a rotatable table at atmospheric pressure and purging the chamber with nitrogen gas; rotating the wafer to a first subsequent station, introducing formic acid vapor and nitrogen, heating the wafer at ambient atmospheric pressure; rotating the wafer to a second subsequent station, introducing formic acid vapor and nitrogen, heating the wafer at ambient atmospheric pressure; rotating the wafer to a third subsequent station, introducing a vacuum onto the wafer, heating the wafer in the absence of chemical treatment; rotating the wafer to a fourth subsequent station, introducing formic acid vapor and nitrogen, heating the wafer at ambient atmospheric pressure; rotating the wafer to a fifth subsequent station, introducing nitrogen gas, and cooling the wafer at ambient atmospheric pressure; and rotating the wafer to a last

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for spinning liquid out of a wiping body, which is mounted on a wiping head of a surface cleaning device, comprising a container, in which a wiping head mount is mounted rotatably, into which mount the wiping head can be inserted together with the wiping body and which can be driven rotationally about an axis of rotation by means of a drive device in order to remove moisture from the wiping body. In order to further develop the device in such a manner that its power consumption can be kept to a low level, it is proposed according to the invention that the device comprises a measuring element for determining a degree of drying or a spin drying time of the wiping body, there being associated with the measuring element an indicating unit for indicating when a specific degree of drying has been reached or a specific spin drying time has elapsed.

Abstract: A continuous process for the production of dried superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) the polymerization reaction is carried out either in an initially homogenous aqueous monomer solution (bulk aqueous solution polymerization) or in a heterogeneous water-in-oil reactant mixture (reverse phase suspension or emulsion polymerization) within a continuous closed polymerization reactor, then the resulting polymer gel is dried within a continuous moved bed in a closed dryer, avoiding the needs of standard intermediate maturity tank(s).

Abstract: An air-ventilating insole comprises an upper insole; a center of the upper insole being formed with a receiving groove; a heel portion of the upper insole being formed with a plurality of air inlets and a front thenar portion of the upper insole being formed with a plurality of air outlets; a lower insole located below the upper insole; an air chamber being formed; a plurality of spiral springs installed between the upper insole and lower insole; each spiral spring being formed as a truncated cone and further as the spiral spring is compressed to be on a same plane; one end of the spiral spring being formed with a U shape positioning end which is embedded into a respective U shape positioning slot of the upper insole; and a ventilating layer stuck above the upper insole at a position for contacting the bottom of the leg.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe with a ventilating opening. The shoe includes an upper part having a through hole and an inner part with a path hole, and a shoe sole mounted to the upper part and having both an air passage and an air channel communicating with each other. An elastic unit is provided on a lower surface of the shoe sole by being projected downward while longitudinally extending to correspond to the air passage. An air circulation unit is provided at the front part of the shoe sole to be attached to a front end of the upper part, with an air circulation path provided in the air circulation unit to communicate with both an air inlet and the air channel. Thus, fresh air is introduced into the shoe.

Abstract: A shoe cover for a shoe, the shoe cover comprising a lower periphery having a strip of projections and a slider with a tab. A first edge extends from one end of the lower periphery has a strip of projections and a slider with a tab. A second edge extends from another end of the lower periphery also has a strip of projections. The first and second edges are reversibly fastenable by pulling the slider along the strips of projections of the first and second edges. The strip of projections on the lower periphery is reversibly fastenable to a strip of projections on a shoe. The tabs on the sliders are interlockable where the sliders are pulled to the end of the strips of projections.

Abstract: An improved tap dance shoe for teaching tap dancing or for use to enhance a tap dance performance. The improved tap dance shoe has at least one heel light and one toe light in communication with a battery disposed inside the shoe and, respectively, with pressure actuated switches disposed at the heel and toe of the shoe. The switches are in operative connection with the heel tap and toe tap so as to complete the electrical circuit with the battery. When the dancer taps either the heel or toe tap, the respective switch will energize the respective light to indicate that contact has been made. The dance instructor can determine if the student is hitting the heel or toe tap properly and the student can better see what steps the instructor is doing. Preferably, a buckle or hook and loop connectors are used to secure the shoe to a foot.

Abstract: An athletic shoe sole for a shoe has side portions with concavely rounded inner and outer surfaces, as viewed in at least a heel area and a midtarsal area of the sole. The concavely rounded portion of the sole outer surface located at the heel area extends substantially continuously through a sidemost part of the sole side. The rounded portion of the sole outer surface located at the midtarsal area extends up the sole side to at least a level corresponding to a lowest point of the sole inner surface. A midsole component of the shoe sole extends into the sidemost section of the sole side and also extends up the sole side to above a level corresponding to a lowest point of the sole inner surface. The concavely rounded portions of the sole midtarsal area are located at least at the sole lateral side. The sole outer surface of at least part of the midtarsal area is substantially convexly rounded, as viewed in a shoe sole sagittal plane.

Abstract: A shoe sole is described that provides both cushioning and stability. The sole has a plurality of layers, including a transition layer which allows relative motion between the layers adjacent to the transition layer. The relative motion between the layers of the sole reduces the impact of horizontal shear stresses on the wearer's feet and ankles. One such transition layer includes pliable material and deformable holes within the pliable material. Another transition layer includes at least two rigid plates held together by less rigid grommets or sidewalls. The transition layer may be disposed beneath the entire shoe or only portions of the shoe, with either a more conventional sole structure or rigid support members completing the sole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding element for a shoe sole. The sliding element includes an upper sliding surface and a lower sliding surface, wherein the lower sliding surface is arranged below the upper sliding surface so as to be slideable in at least two directions. The upper sliding surface can form a lower side of an upper heel cup and the lower sliding surface can form an upper side of a lower heel cup, wherein the upper heel cup and the lower heel cup have corresponding substantially spherical shapes. Complex multi-dimensional sliding and cushioning movements between the upper sliding surface and the lower sliding surface are made possible by the corresponding three-dimensional shapes of the two substantially spherical surfaces.

Abstract: A cushion device for shoes includes a first bladder and a second bladder with a hose connected in communication therebetween. A compressible unit is received in the second bladder and has an outgoing hose extending therefrom. The outgoing hose is connected to an inlet of the first bladder. An inlet hose has an end located outside of the second bladder and the other end of the inlet hose is connected to the compressible unit. The wearer compresses the compressible unit to inflate the first and second bladders. When the load is disappeared from the compressible unit, air is sucked from the inlet hose to assist the compressible unit to return to the original status.

Abstract: A shoe includes an upper having a heel portion that has a rear wall adapted to extend around the heel of a foot. At least one adjustment pad is attached loosely to the rear wall within the heel portion. The adjustment pad includes an intermediate part, first and second ends on two opposite sides of the intermediate part, a first surface confronting the rear wall, and a second surface opposite to the first surface. A strap passage unit is provided on the rear wall. A strap is attached to the adjustment pad, and passes movably through the strap passage unit. When the strap is pulled to move through the strap passage unit, the strap is tensed, and the adjustment pad is moved inward so as to abut against the foot in the shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole assembly and an upper secured to the sole assembly. A heel counter is secured to the sole assembly. The heel counter includes an inner portion and an outer portion secured to the inner portion. A portion of the upper is captured between the inner and outer portions of the heel counter.

Abstract: There is described a sports shoe, especially a golf shoe, having a sole on which downwardly projecting ground-engaging elements are mounted or can be mounted. It is provided according to the invention that the ground-engaging elements (9), or the means (10) provided for mounting them, are guided and held to move forward and backward along an arc, especially an arc of a circle.

Abstract: An orthopedic shoe of the type suitable to correct supinate talipes equinovarus, constituted by an upper and a base and substantially shaped like a boot, its particularity consisting in that proximate to one of its portions, arranged at the ankle, it is inclined at a predefined angle with respect to the axial plane of the leg and in a pronating direction for the foot, so as to hypercorrect its pathological supination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine for digging a trench and making a wall in said trench, the machine being suitable for advancing along a path and having rear and front portions relative to the direction of advance of the machine, together with excavator means disposed in the front portion of the machine and defining a substantially vertical cutting front; wall-forming means situated in the rear portion of the machine; and propulsion means suitable for causing the machine to advance along said path. The machine also has a central portion, controllable brake means for slowing advance or blocking at least one portion of the machine, and controllable connection and disconnection means for connecting and disconnecting the central portion respectively with the front and rear portions of the machine, thereby enabling the type of excavator means and the type of wall-forming means to be changed.

Abstract: A mobile vacuum boring and mud recovery method comprising a device which will create a vacuum condition within a vacuum container and the vacuum container is mounted on an incline to provide space beneath it to locate a water storage container, and having a vacuum conduit to transport a liquid and or solid particles into the vacuum container. The inclined vacuum tank facilitates gravitational assistance in both separation of liquids & solids as well as unloading debris. A dispensing device may be added to dispense a liquid or a solid from the vacuum container without eliminating the vacuum environment within the vacuum container, and said vacuum container having the ability to fill, store and dispense its contents simultaneously. The vacuum container may further comprises a means to separate a liquid from solids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutter for working the soil, comprising a cutting frame, at least two cutting wheels that are supported on the cutting frame in a rotatably drivable manner about parallel axes of rotation, and an adjusting device, by means of which the centre distance between the parallel axes of rotation of the cutting wheels can be adjusted. In accordance with the invention the adjusting device includes a knee-lever mechanism. The invention further relates to a method for working the soil.

Abstract: A panel (11) has a plurality of holes (12). A mount (6) has a first surface (20), a second surface (9), and a post (18) extending from the second surface. The post of the mount is inserted into a hole in the panel. The memento (33) is secured to the first surface of the mount by an attachment device (17, 19), such as an adhesive or a magnet or a magnetic disk. A retainer (15) having a hole (12) may be used along with a recessed area or countersink (13) in the panel so that the post of the mount goes through the hole in the retainer to provide additional support or security.

Abstract: A sign frame assembly having journally connected frames and appearing as an inverted “V” when deployed on a surface. Each frame has legs connected by a panel, and upper and lower crossbars which are parallel to each other and connect the legs. A receptacle defined by a plane including the panel and which is parallel to and separated from a plane formed by surfaces of the legs, and the upper and lower cross bars is provided to hold a flat object which may be used as a sign. The flat object may be inserted and removed without the use of tools or fasteners.

Abstract: A protective sheet/placard replacement system enables users of containers the ability to quickly replace and interchange protective sheets and placards at will. The system includes a pair of integrally provided, facing annular slots into which a protective sheet/placard is guided. In the embodiment shown, any structure which interrupts the continuity of repeatability can serve as a register for the protective sheet/placard so that it can be centered each time. The system enables users to keep a variety of protective sheet/placard for interchange, such as those bearing legends including the type of beverage being served. The advantages offered by the inventive configuration enables ownership of a lesser number of containers at one time because of the ability to interchange the protective sheet/placard. Further, since the protective sheet/placards are easily replaced and inexpensive, the periodic purchase of either crisp new whole sets, or new sets having a different color and pattern motif, is encouraged.

Abstract: A method of utilizing an expanded polyvinylchloride (PVC) foam having cohesive and high static-friction properties to attach, hang, display, hold or adhere one or more lightweight objects, decorative items and/or works of art, in a selectively positionable and re-positionable fashion. The methods of the present invention are particularly useful as toys and craft materials, as well as for use in hanging objects, documents, and decorative items as an alternative to the use of magnets, glue, adhesives or other means known in the art.

Abstract: The invention relates to a trigger system for small arms, said system including a hammer, a catch associated with the hammer, a trigger, and a trigger bar which co-operates with the trigger and has a first locking edge for engaging with a first fire locking element of the hammer. The aim of the invention is to create a trigger system which has a low trigger resistance and remains operable even in the event of firing failure. To this end, the trigger bar has a second locking edge for engaging with a second fire locking element of the hammer.

Abstract: Accessories for firearms. They are designed to reduce the recoil felt by the shooter when a firearm is discharged. The accessories meet this goal by modifying the decay pattern of vibrations set up in the stock when the firearm is discharged. Kick may be further reduced by elastic compression and also by pneumatic compression of air in sealed pockets formed in and by accessory components.

Abstract: Machine guns having detachable barrels and methods of operating the same are disclosed. An illustrated example firearm includes a housing; a removable barrel; a latch to releasably secure the barrel in the housing, the latch having a released state and a secured state; and a carrying handle movable between a rest position and a carry position. The carrying handle cooperates with the latch such that the latch can only be moved into the released state to permit removal of the barrel when the carrying handle is at least substantially in the carry position.

Abstract: A game attracting apparatus comprises a pole, a flag and an actuator. The pole has a lower end and a top end displaced from the lower end. The flag includes a tip, a mounting location, an outer side and an underside. The flag is configured to resemble the shape and color of a deer's tail when viewed from the underside and is mounted at the mounting location to the pole at a location above the lower end. The actuator is coupled to the flag adjacent the tip of the flag. The flag, pole and actuator are configured to induce the flag to hang from the pole with the tip downward so that the outer side is presented toward a desired direction when the actuator is not actuated and so that, during actuation of the actuator, the tip of the flag moves upwardly so that the underside of the flag is presented toward the desired direction.

Abstract: An automatic jigging device (10) used to support to a fishing pole (12) and impart action to a fishing lure secured to the pole (12) broadly comprises a frame (22), an arm (24) rotatably secured to the frame (22), a fishing pole holder receiver (26) rigidly secured to the arm (24) and designed to accept a fishing pole holder (28) to support the pole (12), and an actuator (30) for selectively rotating the arm (24) with respect to the frame (22), thereby imparting action to the pole (12) and the lure. The frame (22) is designed to be rigidly secured to a support (32), such as a rail of a boat or a pier. The device (10) may also include a spring (50) to dampen the arm's (24) movement and a housing (46) to enclose and protect the arm (24), the actuator (30), and the spring (50).

Abstract: A device, fashioned and formed to secure a long shafted object, primarily, but not limited to a fishing pole. The embodiment comprises of a shaft/distal end that enters a nonimpervious surface at the shores edge. Coils are used to support the fishing poles aft handle. A support arm extending to a cradle for supporting the forward handle or backbone of the fishing pole. The user simply slides the aft portion of the pole down into the coils and rests the pole into the cradle, thus provides hands free support.

Abstract: Disclosed is a structure of a single fishing line guide of a fishing rod, including: a frame provided with a centering hole formed therethrough for guiding a fishing line; and a supporter extended from the frame and bent such that a bent portion is formed between the supporter and the frame and contacts the fishing rod to fixedly support the frame, wherein the bent portion is protruded from a supporting area and contacts the fishing rod, thereby supporting the frame.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a line guide for a fishing rod and that employs a system of roller assemblies within a frame, the roller assemblies configured to form a passageway for the fishing line to pass through. As an angler reels in a fish and the fishing line is in contact with one of the roller assemblies, the tension of the fishing line will cause a component of the roller assembly to rotate, thus greatly reducing any sliding friction between the fishing line and the line guide. The line guides can be a variety of sizes and the frames of the line guides can vary in shape and their mounting orientation relative to the fishing rod.

Abstract: The need for having multiple fishing lures, each with a separate visual characteristic such as pattern, color or colors, is reduced by providing a fishing lure with a selectively removable insert to permit another insert having a different visual characteristic to be substituted. An inner body is disposed within an outer body to form an insert chamber to receive a selectively removable insert. The color, colors or pattern of a fishing lure may be changed by substituting one insert with another.

Abstract: A trapping device includes upper lure and lower detention compartments, and a trapping mechanism. The trapping mechanism includes infrared sensors provided in the lure compartment, first and second trapdoors, and a control circuit board for receiving signals from the infrared sensors to pivotally turn the first and the second trapdoor. When an animal/insect enters the lure compartment and passes through the infrared sensors, the first trapdoor is pivotally turned from a horizontal to a vertical position to confine the animal/insect in a rear room of the lure compartment, and the second trapdoor from a horizontal to a vertical position to open a floor opening communicating the lure and the detention compartment to trap the animal/insect in the detention compartment. The second trapdoor restores to the horizontal position to close the floor opening when a preset time passed, and the first trapdoor is returned to the horizontal position 20 seconds later.

Abstract: A conductor connector and methods for making and using the same. The conductor connector can be used to connect a terminal of an electrical supply to an electrical conductor or to connect two lengths of electrical conductors together. The conductor connector includes a connector body that holds two connector conductors and is adapted to receive the electrical conductors. The connector conductors have ends that are flattened and pressed against the ends of the electrical conductors when the connector body receives the electrical conductors.

Abstract: A device for catching insects is provided which includes an elongated member with first and second distal portions, an insect trapping head mounted on the first distal portion, and an actuating mechanism. The insect trapping head includes a first member and a second member pivotally mounted with respect to each other such that one of the members is moveable from about 0 to about 340 degrees relative to the other member, and preferably to about 270 degrees relative to the other member by activation of the actuating mechanism. When in the closed position, the first and second members define a rigid compartment such that the insect can be trapped between the first and second members. Preferably, a sticky surface on at least a portion of the interior of the compartment maintains the insects within the compartment.

Abstract: A process to produce a flowable fuel or fuel supplement from solid and/or liquid waste, such as industrial waste. A system to carry out the process includes producing from the solid and/or liquid industrial waste a solid char and vaporize liquids, recombining the char and the liquids, recovered from the wastes feed, to form a feed slurry containing solids, combining the feed slurry with additional combustible waste liquids which are added at a rate and amount to obtain a fuel slurry of specified properties, particularly specified viscosity and BTU content, subjecting the feed slurry and additional wastes to conditions of attrition in at least one attrition zone to produce a product slurry containing solids of fuel size, recovering the fuel slurry which be used as fuel in partial oxidation processes. The liquid waste may be collected as a product, particularly if they are high in organic compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition and method for making mulch fortified with fertilizers via an agglomeration/granulation process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for illuminating plants in a greenhouse, comprising the provision of a lamp above the plants, with adjustment of the distance between the lamp and the tip of the plants growing upwards to the height of the growing plants, this distance being kept between 80 cm and 240 cm. The present invention furthermore relates to a greenhouse, containing plants and an installation for illuminating plants, wherein the installation comprises a lamp, lifting gear for moving the lamp in the height direction relative to the plants and control means for measuring and/or setting the distance between the lamp and the tip of the plants growing upwards, and also relates to an installation for illuminating plants intended for use in such a greenhouse.

Abstract: A garden weed barrier and watering apparatus including a flexible sheet of vapor-permeable material having reinforced, weighted edges to secure the sheet to the ground, openings in the sheet to receive garden plants, and a tube secured to the bottom of the sheet for delivering fluid to the plants.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in potting plants includes a tray upon which potting materials may be placed. The tray has a generally planar base portion with a peripheral edge. A support mechanism is secured relative to the upper surface of the tray and is rotatable about a rotation axis. A plate structure sized to support a plant receptacle is supported on the support mechanism for common rotation therewith. In one form of the invention, a rim extends upwardly from an upper surface around a majority of the edge so that a gap exists in the rim. In another form of the invention, the plate structure has a retaining element positioned to engage the support mechanism to resist radial displacement during rotation. The tray may include a handle. The rotational axis may be offset from the center of the tray to provide a work area for placing the potting materials.

Abstract: A horticultural cut flower container assembly having a triangular shaped piece of flexible foam material with the ends of the triangular shaped foam material being adapted to be folded over the stem ends of a bunch of cut flowers. An elastic band is placed over the folded foam material to hold foam material in a folded configuration and an outer plastic bag is placed over the folded foam material and stem ends.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fitting consisting of a part made of injected plastic for connecting a water tank (1) and a hollow cone (2) made of porous ceramics, so as to produce a device for dispensing water individually to plants, in particular potted plants, proximate to their roots, and in predetermined amount, comprising three coaxial parts; a disc-shape intermediate part (4) with a central hole (5); a part (A) consisting of one or two cylinders, arranged on one side of the disc (4) and designed to be permanently fixed to the cone (2); a part (B) consisting like part A of one or two cylinders bearing a thread on the inner surfaces, arranged on the other side of the disc (4) and capable of receiving a bottle (1) removably screwed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a seed coating composition that includes hemicellulose and a material that is beneficial for the growth of the seed. The beneficial material may be a control agent for a biological entity that is detrimental to the growth of the seed. The control agent may be, for instance, a fungicide, herbicide, or insecticide. Also disclosed is a coated seed, the seed including a coating over at least a portion thereof that comprises hemicellulose and, optionally, a control agent. Methods for preparing such coated seeds and for planting such coated seeds also are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an artificial seed (20) is provided. The method includes transporting a seed shell (22) to a media fill station (300) and depositing media (26) into the seed shell. The method also includes sealing (28) the media within one end of the seed shell, depositing an embryo (42) within the seed shell, and sealing (44) the embryo within the seed shell.

Abstract: A mangrove seedling and plantation methodology to upgrade the survival rate of mangroves by having seedlings grow in smaller pots; when grown to a certain extent the saplings being transplanted to hollow tube containers made of organic substances; the containers seated into a saline fish farm before being further relocated to seashore at certain spacings separated by footpaths between fields where roots are developed for saplings to grow into mangrove forests; and those organic containers being left to decay.

Abstract: A device for use in water comprising a carrier having an interior cavity and one or more openings allowing ingress to and egress from the interior cavity; and a moss contained within the interior cavity in which the carrier completely encloses the moss.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of inhibiting microorganism growth comprising contacting a substance susceptible to microorganism growth with an amount of a non-decomposed moss effective to inhibit microorganism growth, wherein the moss is selected from the group consisting of sphagnum papillosum, sphagnum cristatum, and mixtures thereof.