Abstract: A tumbler is provided for removing odors, such as smoke, from clothing. The tumbler comprises a rotating basket in which clothing tumbles, a blower which causes air to flow through said basket and an ozone source which releases ozone into the air which flows into the basket. The tumbler includes a controller which activates the ozone source after the basket and blower have been activated; and continues to operate the blower and basket after deactivation of the ozone source to provide for a purge period.

Abstract: An edge wheel for supporting and rotating a disk-shaped substrate includes a wheel body having a peripheral groove configured to support an edge of a substrate and at least one radial channel extending into said wheel body from said peripheral groove. An edge wheel dryer and a method for processing a disk-shaped substrate are also described.

Abstract: A method of forming a dynamic liquid meniscus includes forming a meniscus at a first size, the meniscus being formed between a proximity head and a first surface and changing the meniscus to a second size by modulating a flow through at least one of a set of ports on the proximity head. A system for modulating flow through the ports in a proximity head is also described.

Abstract: A liner structure for shoes to keep foot at a comfortable temperature includes a bag body and a heat storage material. The bag body is produced by combining an upper film and a bottom film and sealing the edges thereof to form a storage space between two films for containing the heat storage material. The storage space is then separated into a plurality of cells by forming a plurality of space divisions using a high-frequency hot pressing machine. The liner structure can be used for a vamp and/or an insole heat dissipated by feet can be used for corresponding heat-storing and heat-dissipating processes so that the functions of cooling and warm-keeping can be achieved.

Abstract: A waterproofed and breathable sole for shoes, which comprises a tread made of leather, or similar breathable and water-permeable material, which is at least partially covered in an upward region by a membrane made of a material that is breathable and impermeable to water and is perimetrically joined to the tread with the interposition of a sealant or by direct adhesion thereof so as to provide a seal.

Abstract: A tamper resistant institutional shoe and a method for discouraging concealment of contraband in an institutional setting includes providing shoes having an outsole that is light transparent in at least a translucent manner for people confined to an institution. In addition, the method can include instructing to inspect said shoes for evidence of tampering or for contraband concealed therein by viewing the outsole and looking through the outsole.

Abstract: A tamper resistant institutional shoe includes an upper shoe and an outsole joined together to form a cavity configured to receive a user's foot with the outsole disposed under the user's foot and the upper shoe extending over the user's foot. The outsole has a lower surface and an upper surface. An insert is fixedly disposed in the cavity on the upper surface of the outsole. The outsole is formed of a transparent or translucent material that is solid and constant across the outsole between the lower surface and the upper surface such that the insert on the upper surface is visible through the outsole without visual obstruction within the material.

Abstract: An impact attenuating device includes both concave and convex side walls, e.g., in an interleaved arrangement, optionally at least partially surrounded by a restraining element that may help return the impact attenuating device back to its original orientation after attenuating an impact. Such impact attenuating devices may be included in pieces of footwear and/or other foot-receiving devices. Additionally, such impact attenuating devices or portions thereof may be freely selected and/or interchanged in a piece of footwear or other foot-receiving device, e.g., based on one or more characteristics of an intended user and/or an intended use, so as to allow users to obtain footwear (or other devices) customized and targeted for use under a predetermined set of conditions.

Abstract: A fluid-filled chamber for an article of footwear and a method for manufacturing the chamber are disclosed. The chamber may be incorporated into a sole structure of the footwear and includes a central area and a plurality of lobes extending outward from the central area. The lobes are in fluid communication with the central area and are formed from a first surface, a second surface, and a sidewall. The sidewall joins with the first surface with the second surface to seal the fluid within the chamber, but no internal connections are generally utilized to join interior portions of the first surface with interior portions of the second surface. The fluid within the chamber may be air at a pressure that is approximately equal to an ambient pressure.

Abstract: A protector for toes is provided including a toe enclosure configured to block exposure of the toes to an environment external of the enclosure. The toe enclosure may be a footwear article configured to protect the toes. A pedicure shoe system is also provided for protecting freshly painted toe-nails from contact with foreign objects. The pedicure shoe system includes a pedicure shoe and a pedicure slipper. The pedicure slipper is positionable in the pedicure shoe, and spacer members ensure adequate space between the pedicure shoe and the toe-nails.

Abstract: An article of footwear for distributing pressure evenly on various regions of the foot comprising an upper and at least one moldable foam piece attached to an inner surface of the upper is provided, together with an article of footwear manufactured by a process comprising attaching at least one moldable foam piece to the inner surface of the upper of the footwear and stretching the upper over a footwear last comprising at least one cavity cut into the surface of the last that accommodates the moldable foam piece.

Abstract: Sports boot subassembly of the shell or collar type, which comprises at least two parts, each comprising a flexible plastics material injection-overmolded over a very stiff material partially embedded in the flexible plastics material, and wherein the at least two parts comprise an assembly surface for joining them together.

Abstract: A soccer shoe includes an upper and a cleat assembly coupled to the upper. The cleat assembly further includes a medial support bar located on the medial side and a lateral support bar located on the lateral side. A portion of the cleat assembly located near a midfoot section of the medial support bar is stiffer than a portion of the cleat assembly located near a midfoot section of the lateral support bar. The medial support bar extends approximately from a region corresponding to the rear of the calcaneous of a properly fitted wearer to approximately the head of the first metatarsal of the wearer. The lateral support bar extends approximately from a region corresponding to the rear of the calcaneous of the wearer to approximately the head of the fifth metatarsal of the wearer. The cleat assembly is bonded to a cushioning midsole formed from heated and compressed ethylene vinyl acetate foam. The upper lacks a full-length lasting board and is bonded directly to the cushioning midsole.

Abstract: A greeting card jacket may include a body having an exterior surface, an interior surface that defines a pocket and a flap for closing the pocket. A handle may be secured to the body for carrying or otherwise supporting the jacket. The exterior surface of the body may also include a covering and ornamentation that may cause the jacket to have the outward appearance of a wrapped gift. A greeting card may be positioned in the pocket and a stand may be provided to support and display the jacket.

Abstract: A display apparatus is formed from sheet of stock having an image portion separable from a support portion wherein an image is printed on a display side of the image portion and the two portions assembled together to form an integral frame free-standing display. The sheet is provided with die cut and score lines so that no cutting or pasting is required. A computer program enables the combination of digital photographs, simulated picture frame images, clip art and text for processing through a personal computer printer.

Abstract: A promotional display comprising a chamber having front and rear panels with inside and outside surfaces, for containing between expanses of the inside surfaces of the panels a first liquid. At least a portion of the outside surface of the front panel comprises a view surface which allows viewing of liquid flow inside the chamber. A liquid reservoir is positioned adjacent the chamber for containing a second liquid therein, which second liquid contrasts with and is not miscible with the first liquid. A restricted liquid flow path is located between the chamber and the reservoir, which allows flow of the second liquid into the chamber and across at least a portion of the view surface of the chamber.

Abstract: A display assembly has been provided to store and display an item that includes a first member and a second member. An upper end of the first member is positionable with a lower end of the second member in a first position. An upper end of the second member is positionable with a lower end of the first member in a second position. The first and second member in the first position stores the item. The first and second members in the second position display the item. In one configuration, a container is provided that supports the item. Additionally, a method of storing and displaying items has been provided.

Abstract: Advertising methods involving one or more portable toilets.

Abstract: A toy gun includes a barrel having a bay for receiving a soft projectile loaded within a cartridge. A stock is connected pivotally to the barrel and encases a pneumatic cylinder and piston that is primed upon pivotally opening the stock and barrel. The pneumatic cylinder and piston communicate with the bay when the stock and barrel are closed. A trigger releases the piston to force air into the bay for dispatching the projectile from the cartridge—leaving the cartridge within the bay for ejection upon opening of the stock and barrel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a trigger system for hand firearms with a hammer, a catch allocated to the hammer, a trigger, and a trigger arm interacting with this trigger, wherein the hammer has a first stop for holding the hammer in a completely cocked position and the trigger arm has a first trigger arm stop edge for engaging with an associated first hammer stop of the hammer. In order to allow pulling of the trigger with lower trigger weight even in the double-action mode, the hammer contains a second stop for holding the hammer in a partially pre-cocked position and the trigger arm has a second trigger arm stop edge for engaging an associated second hammer stop of the hammer.

Abstract: Firearms, grips for firearms and methods of using the same are disclosed. An example grip includes an exterior grip defining an inner bore; a slider located within the bore for axial movement relative to the exterior grip, the slider having a projection to selectively detachably engage the at least one transverse slot of the rail; and a screw rotatably mounted within the exterior grip. The screw threadingly engages the slider to axially move the slider into and/or out of engagement with the rail, but the screw is substantially secured against axial movement relative to the exterior grip.

Abstract: A conversion kit for converting a semi-automatic or self-loading handgun of a certain caliber, such as a Colt .45, is modified to allow the use therein of cartridges of a different, usually smaller caliber, thus to allow less expensive training on the handgun, wherein only the barrel and magazine need to be replaced, the barrel having thereon a sliding extractor that cooperates with the original slide in the ejection and reloading of cartridges, and an off-axis bore adjusted to compensate for the difference in the reloading mechanism and the lesser rise of the handgun when firing the lower caliber ammunition, thereby allowing retention of the sighting, safety features, and mechanical functions of the original handgun while closely duplicating the original weight.

Abstract: A decoy for attracting a game animal includes a body portion having a height, a width, and a length. The height and width are similar to those of a body of the game animal and the length is substantially reduced from that of the body of the game animal, such that the body portion resembles the body of the game animal when viewed only from the front and back. A three-dimension head portion that resembles the head of the game animal when viewed from all sides is attached to the body portion, such that the decoy at least partially resembles the game animal to be attracted when viewed from any side.

Abstract: A multi-purpose tool is described, the tool having a spearhead, a shaft and a javelin head, each of which can function as a tool individually or in combination with each other.

Abstract: Two pieces of wire segments and a spring adjoined by wire forms that operate as jig for fishing and or set for a hook setting action. Potential energy from the compressed spring is released by an outside force causing the trigger wire loop to leave off resting position on the base wire bottom elongated loop returning kinetic energy motion of spring and trigger wire back to stop base wire loop, thus setting the hook with a jig action, hooking the fish.

Abstract: An automatic fishhook setting device having a main body portion, fishing pole retention latch and a strike sensor arm. The fishing pole retention latch has an abutment surface and is pivotally attached to the main body portion. The strike sensor arm is pivotally attached to the main body portion and has an abutment surface and a fishing line holder. The abutment surface of strike sensor arm and the abutment surface of the fishing pole retention latch cooperate to prevent the fishing pole retention latch from pivoting in at least one direction when the strike sensor arm is located in a first position. The abutment surfaces do not cooperate to prevent rotation of the fishing pole retention latch when the strike sensor arm is in a second position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fishing rod holder comprising a rod support section and a second section including means for attachment to the ground, dock, pier or seat of a boat wherein, said rod support section has a first support portion, a second support portion, means to connect said first and second support portions and a base portion. In a preferred embodiment the rod support section and second section of fishing rod holder are formed as one piece so that it is simple and easy and ready to use and said fishing rod holder has no adjustable parts and no screws, nuts or bolts, which can come loose and get lost.

Abstract: An apparatus is described, combining and outrigger holder with a fishing rod holder, so that both can be moved to a plurality of positions in both a horizontal plane and a vertical plane.

Abstract: A tool and method to remove a hook from a fish's mouth. The tool includes a pair of handles and a pair of elongated cylinders to grip a lower lip of a fish. The tool also includes a pair of blades adjacent to respective cylinders to cut and skin another fish.

Abstract: This product is designed to provide a disposable spring-loaded mouse trap with a safety arm to prevent accidental discharge of the bow of a spring-loaded mouse trap. The safety disposable mouse trap consists of a lever, screw attachment, safety arm, and other conventional spring-loaded mouse trap elements. A user can rotate the safety arm with the lever to permit the bow of the mouse trap to rotate unimpeded after the trap is set.

Abstract: The present invention provides a force applying lever assembly for use with a foothold type trap. The force applying lever assembly has at least one force applying lever that is coupled to the biasing device or spring of the trap. The at least one force applying lever is also pivotally coupled to the base of the trap, allowing it to pivot with respect to the base. The trap's anchor, which is usually coupled to the base of the trap, is instead coupled to the end of the force applying lever opposite the base. When the ensnared animal pulls against the anchored trap, the pulling causes the force applying lever to pivot with respect to the base so as to increase the biasing force applied by the biasing device on the jaws. This additional biasing force on the jaws tightens the grip on the ensnared animal, which prevents it from escaping and discourages it from struggling.

Abstract: A pest control device includes a housing having a wall through which at least one thermoelectric module is mounted for cooling ambient air within the housing to a temperature of between about 0 degrees and about 40 degrees Fahrenheit or less, a fan unit within the housing for drawing in and discharging the cooled air through a hose coupled to the housing and in communication with the fan unit for discharging the cold air exteriorly of the housing toward pests and insects for their safe and effective substantial elimination.

Abstract: A pest repellant system includes a rack and a web of pest repellant material. The web is mounted onto the rack in a flat configuration. The rack includes a permeable grid that allows for circulation of air around the web to disperse and spread the pest repellant material.

Abstract: A generally pillow-shaped charcoal briquet having a convex upper surface and a convex lower surface, wherein at least one of these surfaces contain an enhanced surface feature comprising one or more grooves. When two or more grooves are located on one or both convex surfaces, the grooves are generally parallel to each other and to two opposing sides of the briquet, and generally perpendicular to two opposing sides of the briquet. The briquets have improved ignition characteristics and enhanced burn phase properties.

Abstract: A process for treating high sulfur coal to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions when the coal is burned, which includes placing the coal in an aqueous basic soluble media saturated with a calcium salt which is pressurized with carbon dioxide. The pressure is then released to fracture the coal, and the aqueous fluids are substantially removed from the fractured coal by drying. A magnetic field is applied to the fractured coal to orient the calcium ions and to distribute the ions more uniformly on the fractured coal. The distributed calcium produces calcium sulfate when the coal is burned.

Abstract: Material for the treatment a distressed tree, and a treatment kit used in the treatment is accomplished by creating a mixture comprising a fertilizer and a growth hormone selected from a group of elements including naphthalene acetic acid, 3-indolebutyric acid, and derivatives thereof. The mixture of fertilizer and growth hormone are applied to a root area of the distressed tree. A kit for treating distressed trees may include a device for producing holes around the periphery of the tree, and introducing hormone, an amount of fertilizer, and water as necessary. Instructions are included in the kit as to the amount of hormone and fertilizer to be mixed and applied to the root structure of the tree, and the watering thereof.

Abstract: An article for storing water and selectively dispensing the water to an area proximate a root system. The article includes a rigid lower container that is segregated into a first quantity (n) of container portions where each of container portion is configured to separately hold a predetermined quantity of water. The article also includes a second quantity (m, where m?(n?1)) of valves that can be positioned in an open condition, which permits fluid communication therethrough to allow the predetermined quantity of water to be drained from an associated one of the container portions, and a closed position, that inhibits fluid flow therethrough. A method for irrigating a root system is also provided.

Abstract: An artificial seed (20) is provided. The artificial seed includes a seed shell (24) and a restraint (30) disposed within the seed shell. The restraint includes a cavity (34) sized and configured to receive an embryo (42) therein. The artificial seed also includes a seal disposed on a surface of the seed shell, and the seal includes a least a primary end seal (44), a secondary end seal (21) and a tertiary seal (60).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for creating a gaseous mixture containing controlled amounts of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. Hydrogen and carbon monoxide are produced through partial catalytic oxidation reactions between hydrocarbons and oxygen. The oxidation takes place in a reactor at a temperature of less than 1200° C. and at a pressure between 3 bar and 20 bar. A gas mixture of hydrogen and some carbon monoxide is then recovered from the oxidation. This mixture is transferred to a cooling chamber where it is cooled, by direct contact with pressurized water, to a temperature between ?20° C. and 80° C. The cooled gas is also at a pressure between 3 bar and 20 bar. The cooling chamber and the reactor are both located in the same vessel, such that the gas transport time between the two is less than 50 milliseconds.

Abstract: A revolving-door assembly includes a plurality of radially-extending door sections rotatably mounted about a vertical rotary axis within a passageway for controlling the flow of traffic through said passageway. Each of the radially-extending door sections includes a radially-extending inner panel and at least one radially-extending outer panel. The radially-extending inner panels are mounted for rotation about the vertical rotary axis. Each of the radially-extending outer panels is movable radially outwardly away from, and inwardly towards, the respective radially-extending inner panels to assume an outermost position when the respective radially-extending door section is located perpendicularly to the flow of traffic, and an innermost position when the respective radially-extending door section is located parallel to the flow of traffic.

Abstract: A shutter mainly includes a first and a second fixing stile, and more than one louver. Both the first and the second fixing stile include a flange portion and a connection portion, and each of the louvers includes a rear portion, two lateral ends of which are rotatably connected to the connection portions of the first and the second fixing stile, and a front portion for blocking light.

Abstract: A sliding window for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprises a fixed component and a moving component. To provide a drivable sliding window, a drivable pinion (3) is rotatably supported at the fixed component and a rack (2) is provided at the moving component and the pinion (3) engages into it.

Abstract: A door assembly for a chute system comprising a door pivotally connected to a frame assembly mountable around an opening in a chute system. The door is manufactured from stainless steel and is free of welds. The door includes an automatic closer mounted to its interior surface and being directly connected to the frame assembly at one end and to the door at the other end. When the door is opened, the closer moves with the door out of the opening to the chute system, thereby increasing the usable space for inserting articles into the chute. The closer does not intrude into the interior of the chute when the door is in a closed position. The door may also include a deflector plate mounted proximate the door hinge to protect the hinge and prevent debris from articles inserted into the chute from dropping into the gap between the door and frame and interfering with the action of the hinge.

Abstract: A glass run channel mountable along a window frame and made of a thermoplastic elastomer includes a base portion, a pair of side wall portions extending from the base portion, and projections that engage the window frame. A non-slip portion made of material having a larger coefficient of friction with respect to the window frame than that of the thermoplastic elastomer is provided on a face of the base portion opposite to the window frame. The non-slip portion is less slidable on the window frame than the thermoplastic elastomer, and further less slidable due to an orthogonal load produced when the glass run channel is mounted and pressed. Therefore, the glass run channel is stably maintained at a predetermined position in the window frame even if a force is exerted by sliding the window pane repeatedly.

Abstract: A weather strip assembly and application of same are provided. The weather strip assembly and application comprises a first weather strip operably attached to a first surface, and a second weather strip operably attached to a second surface adjacent the first surface, wherein the second weather strip at least partially overlaps the first weather strip, forming a double seal between adjacent first and second surfaces. The first and/or second weather strip may be applied and secured to the respective surface by adhesive. Further, the weather strip may comprise a cloth fabric.

Abstract: A pre-assembly unit for a motor vehicle and for connection of such with a door frame of the motor vehicle, comprising a window frame, a side window guided at least within the window frame, a window lifting mechanism, which is joined to the side window in order to raise or lower it, and an equipment carrier connected to but disconnectable from the window frame with a wet side (N) and a dry side (T) for dividing the door frame into a wet and a dry area is provided. At least one fixing means, which joins the window lifting mechanism to the equipment carrier and can be undone from the dry side of the equipment carrier is also provided. At least one assembly preparation is provided on or in the window lifting mechanism, and is accessible from the dry side of the equipment carrier for connecting the window lifting mechanism to the door frame. A corresponding motor vehicle door as well as an assembly and disassembly method is also provided.

Abstract: A ceiling system which includes a plurality of grid elements which form a grid framework and a plurality of downwardly accessible ceiling panels. The ceiling panels include a substrate and at least two mounting members. Each mounting member cooperates with the substrate to provide strength and rigidity characteristics to the substrate and to form a grid receiving cavity. Each mounting member further cooperates with a grid element to accurately position the panel relative to the grid framework. When installed, the system provides no visual indications on how the ceiling panel can be removed.

Abstract: Floor panel in a board shape having at least at two opposite edges coupling parts enabling several of the panels to be coupled to each other, wherein the coupling parts have contact portions forcing the floor panels in the coupled condition with a tension force at least laterally towards each other. The coupling parts also include support portions, which, in the coupled condition of floor panels, create a fixation in the mutual position of the contact portions cooperating under tension.

Abstract: A shipping rack that includes a frame and a support. The support is coupled to the frame such that the support is rotatable with respect to the frame between a loading position and a transport position. The support includes first and second walls in planes that intersect at approximately a right angle for supporting the plurality of panels with edges being supported by the first and second walls respectively. Movement of the glass support from the loading position to the transport position urges the plurality of panels toward the intersection.

Abstract: A method for making a large square bale out of a plurality of small bales, utilizing a square baler. Small bales are fed into a processing chamber resting in side by side relation on a pivoting floor. The floor is pivoted from a horizontal position to a vertical position, thereby repositioning the small bales as a stack. The stack is then elevated until it is aligned with a tubular forming channel. A plunger is used to push the stack into the tubular forming channel. Once the tubular forming chamber is substantially filled with stacks of small bales, the stacks are banded to form one large square bale.