Abstract: A clothes drying machine having a sensing switch easily installed on a motor bracket for sensing whether or not a belt for rotating a rotary drum is loose or cut. The sensing switch includes a first insertion hole having a longitudinally extended shape and a second insertion hole having a circular shape, and the motor bracket includes first and second insertion members respectively inserted into the first and second insertion holes. An extended portion of the first insertion member has a size and a shape corresponding to those of the first insertion hole so that the sensing switch is fixed without movement when the first insertion member is inserted into the first insertion hole. A flat portion of the second insertion member is provided with a screw hole formed therethrough so that the sensing switch is firmly fixed to the motor bracket by inserting a screw into the second insertion hole and the screw hole.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a knit upper and a method of manufacturing the footwear are disclosed. The upper is formed through a knitting process to include a plurality of sections formed of different yarns and knits to provide the sections with different physical properties. In portions of the upper where sections formed of different yarns are in adjacent wales, a tuck stitch is utilized to join the sections. The method utilizes a circular knitting machine having multiple feeds that work together to knit the upper into a unitary, seamless structure. The multiple feeds, each of which provide multiple types of yarns, produce the sections to have varying physical properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe having an outsole with an inside surface and an outside surface. The shoe also has an upper placed above the inside surface and a stitch that extends through the upper and the outsole for securing the upper and outsole together, wherein the stitch also extends from the outside surface to the upper in generally alternating diagonal directions so that the stitch intersects itself.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an outsole for use with a shoe and a shoe having an improved outsole. The outsole includes a forward portion and a rearward portion that are connected by a ball-and-socket connection that allows the portions to move freely. The outsole may include flexible members disposed between discrete pieces of the forward portion to allow these pieces to flex freely. The outsole includes a pair of stabilizer rods. The outsole may be used with a sole construction that includes a gel cushion that is adjacent a transparent window member of the outsole. The outsole has areas of extension for improving the traction and balance of the user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a support and buffer structure for shoe body, wherein an arcuate hollow rubber portion is attached on the top surface of a sole plate. A balance seat in form of a curved larger area is attached in turn on the top surface of the rubber portion so that an applied body weight can be uniformly distributed over the balance seat and supported and buffered by the rubber portion to achieve the purpose of shock absorption, comfortableness and stability when wearing it.

Abstract: A shoe is provided with an outsole which contacts the ground, an insole upon which a foot rests, and a midsole located between the outsole and the insole, wherein the midsole absorbs impact by providing a loose fill material throughout the midsole of the shoe to cushion any force exerted upon the shoe, wherein the midsole is divided into at least two compartments and each of the compartments is filled with the loose fill material.

Abstract: A system for modifying properties of an article of footwear is disclosed, wherein the article of footwear includes a removable foot-supporting member that includes a frame portion that defines an aperture, one of a plurality of insert portions that are received by the aperture, and a restraining member attached to an upper surface of the frame portion. By removing the insert portion, which has a specific physical characteristic, and replacing it with an alternate insert portion, which has a different physical characteristic, properties of the article of footwear are modified. The restraining member is attached to the upper surface of the frame portion, but not to the upper surface of the insert portion. The restraining member prevents upward movement of the insert portions and stretches to accommodate insert portions having various dimensions.

Abstract: Impact-attenuating elements for footwear or the like may include (a) a first impact-attenuating material (e.g., foam) in a first region; and (b) a second impact-attenuating material in a second region (e.g., foam of a higher density). At least one characteristic of the impact-attenuating characteristics (e.g., support) provided by the impact-attenuating element may be controlled by changing a position or orientation of at least a portion of the impact-attenuating element in the footwear. For example, the “firmness” of the support provided by the impact-attenuating element may be changed by rotating or flipping the impact-attenuating element so that foam of a different density is provided at different areas of the foot.

Abstract: An insole is described that can be placed with an insole receiving area of a slipper. The insole can be prepared by compression molding a structure comprising a foam layer having a first foam side and a second foam side. The insole includes a heel region, an arch region, and a toe region. The heel region includes a heel cushioning portion and a heel perimeter portion. The heel perimeter portion includes a retaining wall that extends above the top surface of the heel cushioning portion. The arch region includes an arch cushioning portion and an arch perimeter portion. The arch perimeter portion includes an arch support that extends above the top surface of the arch cushioning portion. The toe region includes a toe cushioning portion and a toe perimeter portion. A slipper and a method for manufacturing a slipper are described.

Abstract: A heat-insulating lining for a footwear article includes an enclosure body made from an air-impermeable thermoplastic material and defining an inner space, and a porous layer disposed in the inner space such that the enclosure body encloses the porous layer intimately. The inner space in the enclosure body is in a vacuum state.

Abstract: An outsole for an article of footwear including a base and a plurality of lugs extending from the base in the forefoot and in the heel portions of the outsole. The lugs each include a leading edge and a trailing edge, and are individually contoured to include a profile increasing in height relative to the base from the leading edge to the trailing edge. The plurality of lugs can also collectively form a contour having an increasing height profile from toe to heel in both the forefoot portion and the heel portion of the outsole. The shape of the lugs, both individually and collectively, permits efficient energy return when walking and simultaneously provides localized, independent reactivity to accommodate a wearer's pressure profile and gait.

Abstract: An inflatable bladder for use in an article of footwear including a first sheet of a flexible fluid-impervious material and a second sheet of flexible fluid-impervious material. The first sheet and the second sheet are sealed along air-tight weld lines forming at least one narrow channel. The inflatable bladder includes an air passage device for maintaining air flow within the narrow channel. In one embodiment, the first sheet has an embossed interior surface to limit the contact between the first sheet and second sheet. Another embodiment includes the use of a mechanical device to separate the first sheet and the second sheet within a narrow channel. A method of manufacturing an inflatable bladder, a method of increasing localized air flow through an narrow channel of an inflatable bladder for use in an article of footwear and an article of footwear incorporating the inflatable bladder are also described.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole and an upper with an exterior and interior surface, and one or more bladders which comprises at least one of the exterior or interior surfaces of the upper. The article of footwear also includes a inflation mechanism located under the foot of the wearer to be activated by the normal action of the wearer to inflate the one or more bladders. The inflation mechanism may be monolithic with the bladder or may be a satellite inflation mechanism coupled to the bladder. The article of footwear may also include a deflation mechanism. The deflation mechanism may include a release valve capable of remaining in a open position and/or an adjustable check valve. The deflation mechanism may also be a combination check valve and release valve accessing a single opening in the bladder.

Abstract: This invention utilizing an expansion dial and expansion plates is unique due to the fact that never before has there been a shoe that functions as a “normal” shoe that expands easily using a dial to choose the desired size of shoe. This invention is intended primarily for toddlers' shoes due to the relatively fast changing of foot size, however can be incorporated into children's shoes as well.

Abstract: An article of footwear has selectively height adjustable cleat members provided on a sole. A cleat member provided in a unit engaged with or otherwise attached to the sole. The cleat member may have a portion which extends outwardly from the sole that is positionable at one of a plurality of predetermined positions relative to the sole and includes a biasing to at least one of the predetermined positions. A cleat may include a coupling engaged with the sole and a tip that is selectively extendable and retractable via a linear movement and rotational movement relative to a remainder of a cleat so as to present a selectively variable height. The sole may include a plurality of cleats in which the cleats include a gyre-linear cleat portion adjustably positionable to lock relative to the remainder of its respective cleat between a plurality of predetermined heights. In aspect, the predetermined heights correspond to locking positions.

Abstract: For wearing apparel, piping in a predetermined pattern comprising transparent hollow tubing secured to the wearing apparel and rods of various colors removably inserted in said tubing whereby the color effect of the wearing apparel may be changed by selectively interchanging the color rods in the tubing.

Abstract: A steam iron includes a base provided with a vaporization chamber for generating steam, the vaporization chamber being heated by a heater; a water tank for storing therein water to be supplied to the vaporization chamber; and a soleplate having a plurality of steam holes and a multiplicity of depressions, the soleplate being provided on a bottom surface of the base and the steam holes being communicated with the vaporization chamber. At least a part of the steam holes is consecutively arranged in a line and, further, at least a part of the depressions is arranged in multiple lines along the steam holes consecutively arranged in the line.

Abstract: A banner (1), which can be dragged by an airplane (2) using a drag rope (3), includes a banner rod (5) which is connected to the drag rope (3) by way of a banner spider (4). Disks (10) acting as trailing wheels are arranged on the banner rod (5) on both sides of the banner (1). The banner rod (5) is held at a distance from the surface of the runway prior to starting off, such that the banner does not lie on the runway as a result of the wind produced by propeller of the airplane (2), thereby enabling the airplane (2) to start off with a coupled banner (2) without any problem.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for distributing printed publicity by means of an advertising poster in the service orders of dry cleaning establishments, laundries and similar industry. The advertising poster will have the object to offer directed publicity spaces to a particular population sector, to which the companies, marks, business or commercial establishment wish to arrive. The advertising poster is comprised of a printed surface of the same or similar size than that of the protecting bag in which the processed garments are packed by the dry cleaning establishments, laundries or companies effecting similar processes or related to the garment cleaning, conservation or treatment. The advertising poster size, will be that which better fits to the protecting bag standard sizes, they may be the sizes of 50 cm×70 cm, 60 cm×90 cm, 60 cm×1.40 m, without prejudice to use that or those sizes that would be more convenient to reach the object of the invention.

Abstract: A vibratile lamp with lustrous foil fragments includes a transparent container, a base and a cover. The transparent container with a clear liquid and a plurality of colored lustrous foil fragments therein is fixed on top of the base for displaying while a circuit board, a battery holder, a vibration switch and a plurality of LED light facing the bottom of the transparent container are arranged inside the base. By shaking the vibratile lamp with lustrous foil fragments, the colored lustrous foil fragments inside the transparent container flow upwards and downwards for a period of time. At the same time, the LED lights illuminate by the control of the vibration switch and light emits toward the transparent container so as to have colorful, bright and glittering dynamic display effect as well as electricity-saving and safety purposes.

Abstract: The inventive flop advertising means exhibits an increased operational efficiency and comprises a floor module which is provided with a light-diffusion plate arranged between a light source and a top translucent panel. An advertising and information image is disposed on the surface of said light diffusion plate which is oriented towards the top panel.

Abstract: A warning plate assembly for indicating the excess width of a tractor, in particular an agricultural tractor. The assembly comprises a holder having a fixing part (1) attached to the vehicle and a deployable arm (3) carrying the warning plate (9). The deployable arm (3) is swivellable about a vertical swivel axis (2a) of the fixing part between a lockable deployed position, in which the deployable arm and the warning plate are disposed transversely to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a lockable retracted position in which the deployable arm is disposed substantially in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The length of the deployable arm (3) is adjustable (6,7) to cater for different widths of vehicle. The warning plate may be in two halves (10,11) hinged about a vertical axis so that the halves can be folded one over the over for storage.

Abstract: A display banner having connectable pole sections, some of which are flexible, insertable into a sleeve on a sheet shaped like a half-heart such that, when the assembled pole sections are so inserted, the pole sections form a J-shape or fish-hook shape and retain the sheet taut to the assembled pole. An anchor assembly receives the assembled display banner into a rotatable stem thereby permitting the display banner to rotate freely.

Abstract: A telescopic sign holder for mounting to a support surface comprises a first elongated member and a second elongated member including a longitudinal axis. The second elongated member is slidably mounted in relation to the first elongated member. An adjusting structure axially spaces the second elongated member relative to the first elongated member. The adjusting structure comprises a portion of at least one of the first and second elongated members. A support member is attached to the first elongated member and includes a mounting element which releasably secures the support member to the support surface. A display member is connected to the second elongated member for releasably holding a sign. The display member includes a longitudinal axis which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the second elongated member.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus includes a battery charged during daylight hours by a conventional solar collector. A panel or reflector is attached to the arm of a conventional post and arm supporting in a depending manner a real estate sign. The reflector may include a partial cylindrical section at each opposed end for supporting an elongated lamp and for reflecting the light from the lamp onto the real estate sign disposed between the opposed ends of the reflector. A photocell interconnects the lamps with the battery to energize the lights and illuminate the real estate sign during periods of darkness.

Abstract: A menu panel for supporting elongated menu strips of varying heights is disclosed having adjustable guide rails supported by a frame. The frame includes vertical side frame members incorporating guide rail locating elements disposed along the length of the vertical side frame members to position the guide rails. The guide rails are selectively positionable along the length of the vertical side frame members to provide adjustable spacing between adjacent pairs of guide rails. The menu strips include descriptive indicia such as product names and pricing information and are disposed between and supported by adjacent pairs of the guide rails.

Abstract: A portable attachment (1) with a clip allowed to be easily fitted to a portable object by integrally holding a specified used-article such as a diverging component-contained material having a smell components or medically effective components and the clip, wherein an intermediate material (5) and a rear sheet material (6) are stacked on the rear side of a synthetic resin front sheet material (4) and the peripheral edge portion thereof is sealed to form a front storage part (7) and a rear storage part (8), and the front storage part forming an opening part (9) with a fastener (20) in the upper part thereof and partly having a ventilation part (21) stores the diverging component-contained material so as to be extracted and retrieved and the rear side storage part (8) is formed such that the one end part (3a) thereof for holding the clip (3) is inserted into clip insert storage parts (8a) separately formed on both sides thereof and the other end part (3b) thereof for holding the clip is formed to have a locking

Abstract: A frame for receiving photographs, calligraphy or the like has a core panel using a lightweight board as the core material and a sheet-like cover circumferentially covering the outer periphery of the core panel. A cutout portion for insertion, through which a photograph or the like is inserted from a side, is provided in a front face of the covering sheet such that one side of the cutout portion is in contact with an edge of the lightweight board. On the sheet-like cover are provided parallel creases used for the circumferential covering and cover-fixing member for detachably fixing the covering state. A cutout window slightly smaller than a work piece is provided in a front face of the sheet-like cover. The front face of the sheet-like cover is laid over and united with the front face of the core panel.

Abstract: A magazine sleeve attachable to a magazine and including a front strap, a back strap and side panels extending between the front and back straps, wherein the front and back straps and side panels are configured to substantially match an outer contour and/or texture of a grip of a given manufacturer's handgun.

Abstract: A fish strike alarm apparatus comprises a housing, an electrical circuit, a power source, an alarm activated when the electrical circuit is completed and a fish strike detector that comprises a retaining member coupled to the housing, and a biased micro switch. The biased micro switch is configured in a normally closed setting and positioned a predetermined distance from the retaining member that causes the electrical circuit to be completed when a fish strike is detected.

Abstract: A fishing pole is provided with a handle, a rod, and a closing segment. The rod has a base, a tip end, and a coil spring provided between the base and the tip end. The coil spring is configured to receive and guide a fishing line. The rod is supported by the handle at the base, and the coil spring has a proximal end winding and a distal end winding. The closing segment is provided on one of the proximal end winding and the distal end winding to close the one of the proximal end winding and the distal end winding to prevent wrapping of the fishing line about the coil.

Abstract: A fly line to leader connector comprising a leader with a modified, enlarged butt end, a securing collar, and a length of heat-shrinkable tubing, which contracts upon the application of heat. The result is a smooth, knotless connection between lines of dissimilar sizes and/or materials. Optionally, adhesive can be applied to the bore of the tubing. Additionally, shallow grooves can be inscribed on the surface of the end of the fly line.

Abstract: A tree band trap includes a formfitting substance engaging and extending around the trunk's outer circumference, a stretchable strip mounted to the trunk and having a length extending in a longitudinal direction and around the formfitting substance's outer circumference, and a deterring agent extending around the stretchable strip's outer circumference for deterring insects from traversing the stretchable strip. The stretchable strip is operative so that, after the stretchable strip is mounted to the trunk, the stretchable strip is under tension in the longitudinal direction as a result of the stretchable strip having been stretched, and the tension of the stretchable strip forces the formfitting substance against the trunk's outer circumference. A marginal portion of the stretchable strip extends around the trunk's outer circumference at a position that is above and/or below the formfitting substance. A deflector is provided for deflecting falling leaves away from the deterring agent.

Abstract: A rodent repellent device has a housing substantially enclosing a porous storage medium in an interior region of the housing; and a repellent disposed within the storage medium, the repellent including a component of feline urine that disperses into atmospheric air at room temperature.

Abstract: A barrier and a method to bar the passage of termites across the surface of a structure is provided, the barrier being applied to the surface of the structure and comprising a sticky adhesive substance capable of obstructing and entrapping termites which venture onto the surface of the adhesive.

Abstract: A method of eliminating an ectoparasite infestation is disclosed that may include steps of defining a target area on an animal having an ectoparasite infestation, heating a volume of air to a temperature to form heated air, applying the heated air to the target area with an airflow such that the heated air impinges directly on substantially all ectoparasites located within the target area, and maintaining the heated air at the target area for a period of time sufficient to affect an ectoparasite mortality rate of at least 50%.

Abstract: Diesel fuels with additives to increase cetane number include chemistries to increase surface absorption and improve lubricity in high cetane number fuels. Fuels and additives also contain thermal stability improvers.

Abstract: A fire starter comprising a shallow cylinder formed from an amalgam of paper and wax. The purpose of the invention to provide an easy, reliable initiation of ignition and sustained combustion of wood without the need for kindling.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for fabrication of fuel from form pressed biomass wherein biomass, particularly grass, is dried prior to pressing, for example, into pellets, and use of such fuels, particularly in form of grass pellets, for energy generation.

Abstract: A soil additive produced from crushing, grinding and blending specified source rocks wherein a final product contains at least three of andesite, basalt, limestone, dolomite and claystone.

Abstract: The invention is a method of transforming a lawn into a stable, healthy plant community that can be maintained as a stable, healthy plant community without use of synthetic, non-organic, non-natural pesticides and fertilizers. The method comprises implementing a three-year, or three entire growing season program, wherein in the first two years, a transition is made to utilization of increasing proportions of organic and natural fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides, and improved biological, natural controls and cultural practices. In the third year or full growing season, the lawn is transformed into being free of synthetic, non-organic fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides through se of organic fertilizers, organic herbicides, organic insecticides, biological and natural controls, and improved cultural practices.

Abstract: A mat configured to mount at or around the base of a post to prevent vegetation from growing around the post base and facilitates landscaping around the post is disclosed. The mat has a slot that radiates from a center portion to an outer edge. The slot has interlocking slot sides that mate together to form a seamless or nearly seamless appearance. The center portion can be configured to tightly fit around the outer perimeter of the post. A post cone may be added to or integrally formed with the mat. The post cone extends vertically up the post and provides additional contact area between the post and the mat. Preferably the mats is flexible, maintains its shape during exposure, and thin enough to not interfere with landscaping equipment, but thick enough to provide sufficient weight to allow the mat to maintain contact with the ground.

Abstract: A conduit is arranged in a substantially vertical configuration and has an input and an output for passing a gas through the conduit interior. A catalyst material is present within the conduit. A heat source heats the conduit to a sufficiently high temperature so that the gas reacts with the catalyst and produces a byproduct and hydrogen gas. A vibrator or other mechanical device is coupled to the conduit and causes the carbon to detach from the conduit body. Also provided is a method for producing hydrogen gas.

Abstract: A method of co-producing activated carbon in a circulating, fluidized bed gasification process includes gasifying carbonaceous fuel in a fluidized bed to form syngas and char, activating the char to form particles of activated carbon, discharging syngas and particulate solids entrained with the syngas from the reactor, separating entrained solids from the syngas with a particle separator and returning at least a portion of the separated solids to the reaction chamber, but allowing a solids product, including activated carbon and having an average size smaller than a predetermined size, to exit the particle separator with the syngas. The solids product is separated from the syngas in a dust separator to form cleaned syngas, and both the cleaned syngas and the solids product are discharged from the gasifier.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a hydrogen-enriched reformate. The apparatus includes a fuel processor for producing a reformate having fluctuations in a pressure and/or flow rate and means for reducing the fluctuations. The reformate comprises impurities that are removed by a purification unit having a plurality of adsorbent beds. A valve assembly controls the flow of reformate to the adsorbent beds based upon sensed product data generated by a product sensor. A compression unit optionally compresses the reformate prior to entering the purification unit. Means for reducing fluctuations in the pressure and/or flow rate include a buffer and/or a conduit for providing a controlled flow of a supplemental fluid to an inlet of the compression unit. A product valve can control the flow of hydrogen-enriched reformate out of the purification unit.

Abstract: A non-egress window for motor vehicles selectively removable for servicing, in which an exterior frame having a connector mounts in an opening in a sidewall of a motor vehicle and a window frame with a window pane attaches to the connector. A pair of latch keepers mount in spaced-apart relation to the exterior frame opposing the connector. A release bar in the exterior frame opposing the connector selectively moves between a first position and a second position relative to the latch keepers by a tool selectively brought into contact with the release bar. A pair of latch catchers attached to the release bar engages the latch keepers with the release bar in the first position and disengage from the latch keepers with the release bar in a second position. A method of removing a non-egress window from a motor vehicle is disclosed.

Abstract: The quick release for security bars system automatically unlocks the security bars fitted on the exterior of a building in response to a signal from a fire detection device. On any window or other opening fitted with hinged security bars, one or more quick release latching mechanisms are attached to the side of the bars opposite the hinges. The quick release latching mechanism has an electric solenoid wherein the plunger of the solenoid is fitted with a male portion that engages with a fixed female portion. When a fire detection device, such as a heat detector, smoke detector, or gas sensor, triggers an alarm, power to the solenoid is interrupted and the plunger of the solenoid extends and disengages the male portion from the female portion and therefore disengages the security bars.

Abstract: An assembly includes a window regulator drive and a motor/gear unit connected to the window regulator drive. The assembly comprises a fastening mechanism adapted to engage a vehicle structure, and a latching mechanism that connects the motor/gear unit to the window regulator drive.

Abstract: An air passage switching device includes a slide door slidable along first and second opening portions partitioned by a partition portion, a guide member for guiding the slide door, and a link mechanism for slidably moving the slide door along the guide member. The link mechanism includes a rotation shaft rotatably supported in a case, a link portion provided at one end portion of the slide door, and a link lever connected to the rotation shaft and the link portion. The link portion is rotatable around the rotation shaft only within a range of the second opening portion in a sliding direction, among the first and second opening portions. Furthermore, the slide door can be provided with a first seal portion for sealing a clearance with outer peripheral portions of the first and second opening portions, and a second seal portion for sealing a clearance with the partition portion.

Abstract: It comprises a one-piece fastening body having a complete and/or continuous cross-section with two lateral walls spaced apart each other a distance for receiving the end of the window pane defining a U-shape the branches of which have an edge rounded inward to the body for insertion of the window pane. One of the walls has a protrusion that is fitted into a hole of the end of the window pane and it extends inwardly toward the opposed wall having a vertical groove at the free end thereof to expand it as it is fitted into the hole of the window pane. The other wall of the body has a hole formed in an area corresponding to the protrusion of the opposed wall for releasing the window from the fastening body. The body has a bottom surface for supporting the window pane made of an elastic material for taking-up vibrations and tolerances.