Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole having a different performing lateral and medial regions. Ground engaging members, such as cleats, provide traction and one of the regions, preferably the lateral region, includes a stability member extending from the sole and spanning between a pair of adjacent ground engaging members in a heel to toe direction. The ground engaging members may have a body and a tip portion. Each tip portion may be integrally formed with all or a portion of its respective body. The medial and lateral regions include buttressing member having different characteristics and dimensions for strengthening the ground engaging members with providing enhanced flexibility.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a plow assembly, which may be selectively, operatively connected to the front portion of a walk-behind lawn mower for use in removing snow from a surface. The plow assembly may include a plow blade and mounting means for selectively, operatively mounting the plow blade to the lawn mower. The mounting means may include a “J” shaped mounting bracket, which may be received onto the lawn mower and is adapted to selectively receive the plow blade. The mounting means may further include a strap, which may extend from the “J shaped mounting bracket to the lawn mower. Also disclosed is a method of plowing snow using the plow assembly.

Abstract: A snowthrower has independent wheel drive trains to allow steering by clutching one drive train while unclutching the other drive train. The clutch in each drive train comprises a plurality of pivotal pawls carried on a drive member with the pawls pivoting in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis of the drive member. The pawls have heads that project through one face of the drive member and tails located on an opposite face of the drive member. The heads of the pawls can engage or disengage notches that are fixed to the driven member to clutch or unclutch the drive and driven members. A shift member axially presses on the tails of the pawls to disengage the heads of the pawls from the driven member. The shift member is selectively moved by an operator using a steering lever on the snowthrower.

Abstract: The present invention relates to underwater sediment management. In particular, we will describe dredging and scouring apparatus for removing sand, silt, clay and like materials from sea or river beds. There is described an apparatus comprising a body (10) having a bottom face (13, 14) and comprising an outlet flow path (28) in which is mounted propeller thrust means (29) to direct, in use, a swirling jet of water downwards towards an area of sea or river bed or the like, orientation means (48, 49) to connect said apparatus, in use, to a support means to orientate said apparatus with respect to the sea or river bed, and at least one inlet flow path (30) through which water is supplied, in use, to the propeller thrust means (29); characterised in that the inlet (30) and outlet (28) flow paths are provided with respective openings in the bottom face (13, 14) or the body. In the preferred embodiments, the inlet and outlet flow paths are parallel, but of opposite directions.

Abstract: An auxiliary gripping device for an excavator with articulated arms is described. The auxiliary device includes at least one supporting element fastenable to at least one of the articulated arms of the excavator, at least one movable grip element and rigid mechanical connection means to mechanically connect the movable grip element to the excavation tool of the excavator, in order to transmit to the grip element a movement generated by the rotation operating means of the excavation tool.

Abstract: An excavating and loading machine has a body with a front end and a rear end, the body being carried on a steerable wheeled ground engaging structure, the machine including a loading arm assembly which is mounted on the body and extends forwardly of the body, and an excavating arm, and wherein the excavating arm is mounted on a superstructure which includes an operator's cab, the superstructure being rotatable about a generally upright axis relative to the body during the performance of excavating operations, and the excavating arm is mounted on the superstructure by a mounting which permits the arm to slew relative to the superstructure, about a generally upright slew axis as well as to permit the excavating arm to be raised and lowered about a generally horizontal axis.

Abstract: An electric flatiron with power cord easily winded up includes a flatiron body which has a base plate and inside an electric heater which heats the base plate, the electric heater is connected with a power cord which extends out of the flatiron body. A hand grip portion is formed upon the flatiron body, the space between the hand grip portion and the flatiron body is used for winding up the power cord. The present invention breaks through the structural design of traditional electric flatiron and abandons the structure of traditional handle. The present invention create a creative design that provides a winding portion between the handle and the flatiron body, which ingeniously makes the handle and the winding up apparatus a integral part and fully utilizes the space between the handle and the flatiron body. Winding apparatus in this design may be easily used and hardly deteriorate.

Abstract: An ironing board having an iron rest that is situated at the blunt end of the ironing board. The iron rest (3) is mounted on the ironing board (2) like a drawer and can be pushed in under the ironing board (2) after use.

Abstract: An apparatus that delivers media content and a wide variety of merchandising and products to beverage consumers through a water bottle's inner-space. The apparatus can include various internal cylinders and pockets for containing additives, devices, advertisements etc., within various spaces within the bottle. Cartridges for releasing additives are also discloses.

Abstract: An inflatable toy may include a housing, a balloon-like structure, a blower mechanism, a drive mechanism, and a motor. The balloon-like structure may include a base, an inflatable portion, and an inlet. The base and the inflatable portion may define an air storage area. The blower mechanism may be fluidly connected to the inlet of the balloon-like structure, and the drive mechanism may be operatively connected to the base. The motor may be operatively connected to the blower mechanism and the drive mechanism, wherein upon activation of the motor the blower mechanism may inflate the balloon-like structure and the drive mechanism may cause the balloon-like structure to move.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the invention pertains to a display device having a housing, a first panel, a second panel and a light source. The housing, first panel and second panel are positioned substantially coplanar with each other; and the first panel and second panel are positioned at a distance of at least seven millimeters from each other to create a three-dimensional effect of the images displayed on the first and second panels with one or more movable objects contained in the housing unit to create the illusion of motion. According to one embodiment of the invention, the second panel includes an image that defines a frame through which an image on the first panel is visible or perceivable.

Abstract: An Electronic Illuminated Address Sign (EIAS) for homes and businesses is provided for displaying alphanumeric address information with automatic power-on for night viewing. The Electronic Illuminated Address Sign incorporates features to enhance daytime viewing and means to daisy-chain several characters together to form an address or slogan. The Electronic Illuminated Address Sign further incorporates means to display characters with many different colors. In an emergency, the Electronic Illuminated Address Sign incorporates means to flash the characters at a predetermined rate to draw attention to the Sign, when the user activates an external switch.

Abstract: Provided is a multilayer pushpin board for retaining and displaying messages that is capable of accommodating both pushpins and magnets. The multilayer message board includes a support substrate preferably made from an elastically recoverable elastomeric material that can be pierced by and releasably retain the spike of a pushpin. A composite sheet made from magnetic attractable particles dispersed into a binder material is secured to the support substrate. The composite sheet is thin and soft enough to allow the spike of a pushpin to penetrate therethrough. Preferably, a cover sheet is laid over and secured to the composite sheet, the cover sheet preferably being made of elastically recoverable elastomeric material. The cover sheet is thin enough to avoid interfering with the magnetic attraction associated with the composite sheet.

Abstract: A labeled key tag, key tag system and method for using the system is provided. The key tag system may be used to identify the keys that may be attached thereto. The system provides a key tag having a labeling system for downloading, printing and affixing a label to a key tag. The system allows the key tag to identifying keys on a key ring with respect to each other.

Abstract: A method of exploiting bands (tie cables) attachable to food products for marking said products for attesting to their authentication, wherein in the preferred configuration of the invention, the band includes a hologram secured to it, and also a device that enables industrial application of the method as well as an array that enables implementation of the invention as an “add on” unit to existing food processing production lines, wherein these production lines comprise a conveyer, alongside whose length the products intended to be marked are advancing and handled, and this—by driving the marking assembly at a speed that is substantially equal to the speed of the conveyer upon which the products move, and executing the marking by using bands (optionally with attached holograms) while the conveyer is in motion at is normal speed and without interfering with its normal throughput/yield.

Abstract: A badge holder for being carried on an article of clothing, such as a belt. The badge holder includes a back cover, a front cover, and a clip. The front cover is attached to the back cover for displaying identifying material. The clip is positioned on the back cover for permitting the badge holder to be releasably secured to a belt or garment.

Abstract: Described is a label cassette for mounting to the front side of an enclosure and for holding and displaying a label used to identify a configuration of that enclosure. The label cassette includes a transparent cover, a tray, and a hinge mechanism. The tray has a pair of guide rails for engaging respective guide structures on the enclosure to align the label cassette for attachment to the enclosure, a capture mechanism to secure the label cassette to the enclosure, and a label surface to hold a label. The hinge mechanism attaches the transparent cover to the tray and permits rotation about an axis parallel to the back edge of the transparent cover. Mounted to a ledge that extends from the front of the enclosure, the label cassette does not occupy vertical space or interfere with connectors, cables, or airflow vents on the front of the enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a combination of articles of manufacture where the articles are combined using a multi-function tag. The first article of manufacture that is combined is the tag itself. The tag has a tag body, an information housing portion attached to the tag body, and a frictional fastener attached to the tag body. The frictional fastener has an elongated shape and has ridges disposed substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the elongated shape. The tag body has an aperture, and the tag has a string fastener that passes through the body aperture to form an attachment between the string and the tag. The second article that is combined has a frictional fastener receiving portion. This second article is attached to the tag by a union of the frictional fastener and the frictional fastener receiving portion and held in place by the ridges,of the frictional fastener. The third article has a string fastener receiving portion.

Abstract: An image viewing device that includes a housing, which can be constructed so as to be thematically related to an image to be viewed; a viewing aperture and a light induction aperture located in the housing; a light transmission channel contained within the housing to transmit light from the light induction aperture to the viewing aperture; an image bearing medium; and a media retention device, coupled to the light transmission channel to retain the image bearing medium to allow light to travel from the light induction aperture through the image bearing medium to the viewing aperture. The system may also include a light emission device and/or sound production device, coupled to the housing; a power supply source, coupled to the housing and configured to supply power to the light emission device or the sound production device.

Abstract: An L-shaped moulding and process for forming a completed frame or protective liner for an art or other object from a single unitary piece which may be decorated, and folded to surround the perimeter and affix at the back.

Abstract: A cover frame assembly for use in conjunction with an existing flat panel display of a display device such as a high definition television. The cover frame assembly comprises an outer frame, and a one-way mirror attached within the outer frame. After mounting the flat panel display to a wall, the outer frame is selectively extended over the flat panel display and is supported by the flat panel display. The images projected by the flat panel display upon activation of the display device are easily seen through the one-way mirror.

Abstract: An air conditioner is provided. In the air conditioner, a front frame is coupled to a front portion of a main body; a panel member is coupled to a front portion of the front frame; and an art panel detachably inserted into the panel member.

Abstract: A collectible card display holder that utilizes a rectangular, transparent, plastic holder known in the art in combination with a frame design to provide a means for displaying cards such as baseball, football or other sports cards. The collectible card display holder includes a rectangular frame assembly disposed around the periphery of a panel member that defines a display area. A space distance is further defined in the display area between an upper row display area and a lower row display area for access space to the conventional plastic card holders disposed thereon. The panel member includes a front surface constructed of a VELCRO (trademarked) hooks and loops system, and similarly, a back panel of each of the plastic card holders include a section of a VELCRO (trademarked) hooks and loops system. This hooks and loops system releasably secures the plastic card holders to the front surface of the panel member.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the invention pertains to a display device having a first panel and a second panel, the first and second panels positioned substantially coplanar with each other and at a distance from each other to create a three dimensional effect of the images displayed on the first and second panels. According to one embodiment of the invention, the second panel includes an image that defines a frame through which an image on the first panel is visible or perceivable.

Abstract: A model 1911 semi automatic pistol having a receiver, a barrel, a breach slide and a firing mechanism. The barrel is coupled to the receiver. The breach slide coupled to the receiver. The firing mechanism is coupled to the receiver. The firing mechanism is adapted for double action operation. The firing mechanism has a hammer with a firing pin strike surface and an engagement surface enabling single action operation of the firing mechanism. The engagement surface is movable relative to the firing pin strike surface.

Abstract: A configurable firearm grip is provided in which a removable portion thereof can be selected by the user based on the user's preference. For example, backstraps of various forms, thicknesses, and textures can be fitted to a handgun depending upon if the handgun is to be used for target shooting, competitive target shooting, hunting, personal protection, or any other shooting activity, or to accommodate varying hand sizes. The backstrap can be removed and installed without the use of tools. Cooperative portions on the inner surfaces of the backstrap and the rearward portion of the grip facilitate the registration of the backstrap with a fixed portion in preparation for the insertion of a locking element. The backstrap is able to be secured on the fixed grip portion of the handgun with one hand while the locking element is inserted through the backstrap and the fixed grip portion with the other hand.

Abstract: A Video-monitor system having basic function: like optic scope, zoom in the target from distance and show read-able picture on display device for shooter. Because digital video could be display on TV, LCD, Laptop and PDA in real-time, it would saving more time on each time to look at target to catch it up then optical scope. The further function: There is a smart marker in screen always move to the last point appeared at target, Let shooter know score immediately after each shooting. At meantime, system gathers and stores all information for recording and later research on shooting-skill training.

Abstract: An ice fishing trap comprising a main body supporting a rotatable spool for supporting a desired length of fishing line. An indicator, having both a set position and a triggered position, is supported by the main body. A release rod cooperates with the rotatable spool and, when the indicator is in its set position, and also cooperates with the indicator. The release rod has a first position in which the release rod captively retains the indicator in its set position and engages with the spool and the release rod has a second position, axially spaced from the first position, in which the release rod releases the indicator to permit the indicator to move to its triggered position, and rotation of the spool moves the release rod from its first position to its second position to actuate the indicator into its triggered position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated method and system for preventing and solving problems relating to pests of any kind on a site, in a building, in a process, installation or in an area. The system involves complete digitalizing and automation of all functions necessary in order to control the pests such as surveillance, registration, alarms, regulation and remedial actions as well as generating reports etc. The aim is to make the overall effort against the pests more effective by means of fully automating all processes to the furthest possible extent.

Abstract: A mole trap has a pair of spring-loaded jaws. A platform is pivotally connected to the jaws to limit the travel of the trap into the ground and to stabilize the trap on the ground when it is set. A lever assembly forces the jaws open and sets the trap. An adjustable trigger mechanism is positioned on the ground above a mole burrow. The disturbance of a mole traveling beneath the trigger causes the lever assembly to collapse, thereby permitting the jaws to close and destroy the animal.

Abstract: A flying insect trap containing a light, a fan, and a heater is disclosed. A light controller controls the operation of the light, so that the light can turn off or blink when it is time to change the adhesive paper that traps the insects or the bait that attracts the insects.

Abstract: A device into which gravid (pregnant) female mosquitos are attracted to deposit their eggs and where both the adult and her offspring are then eliminated. The trap is set in the out-of-doors at the onset of the mosquito breeding season and is replenished by rain water and, by its unique construction, a larvicide within is protected from flushing and photo degradation thereby making it maintenance free throughout the mosquito breeding season. The low cost trap is constructed from biodegradable paperboard and at the end of the mosquito breeding season, decomposes, thereby foreclosing the possibility that the trap will become a breeding incubator.

Abstract: Process for reducing the amount of sulfur-containing impurities in carbonaceous materials are described. One process comprises contacting the materials with an aqueous solution of hydrofluorosilicic acid in the absence of hydrogen fluoride under conditions wherein at least some of the sulfur-containing impurities react with the hydrofluorosilicic acid to form reaction products and separating the reaction products from the carbonaceous materials. Another process comprises contacting the materials with an aqueous solution of hydrofluorosilicic acid in the absence of hydrogen fluoride under conditions wherein at least some of the sulfur-containing impurities react with the hydrofluorosilicic acid to form reaction products separating the reaction products and the hydrofluorosilicic acid from the carbonaceous materials and subsequently treating the carbonaceous materials with the fluorine acid solution which comprises an aqueous solution of hydrofluorosilicic acid and hydrogen fluoride.

Abstract: Plant protection devices, kits, and methods of protecting plants during adverse conditions are provided. The plant protection devices can have a enclosure and/or a precipitation member assembly. The plant protection devices can provide wind protection, mulch retention, and precipitation deflection.

Abstract: An all-natural fiber biodegradable generally planar mat for use in the germination, growth enhancement and propagation of plants and trees and the suppression of weed growth is provided. The present invention comprises a generally planer layer of at least one or a combination of natural fibers including, but not limited to, human hair, animal hair, coconut fiber, seaweed, kelp, cotton, corn silk and peat moss, and alternatively may incorporate a plurality of man-made fibers. Such mat may be constructed using needle punching, hydro-entanglement, or aero-entanglement. The generally planar mat in a wide variety of constructions is used in various methodologies of promoting seed germination, root growth, spot growth on existing plantings, landscaping under-laminate, soil additive, and as a weed control and pest deterrent in the horticultural field.

Abstract: A system to provide protection for plant roots and bulbs from burrowing animals is presented. Body of system is manufactured as a single contiguous part, which in certain embodiments is flat for the cheapest manufacture and storage. In such embodiments, the part is wrapped, before installation, about an axis to form a conical-annulus with a bottom closure structure. In other embodiments, the part is manufactured in its installation form. An upper portion of the structure incorporates a mechanism by which the plant protection system is rigidly integrated with irrigation/nutrient delivery system. Lower portion of structure is perforated to allow for root growth and drainage while still providing protection of bulb or plant root core.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for protecting young trees, saplings and other plants which comprises a frame structure having a plurality of spaced legs interconnected by at least one connecting ring, a plurality of upwardly and outwardly extending arms operatively connected to the legs, and barrier material attached to and extending at least between adjacent arms.

Abstract: A powered edging assembly for providing a voltage source at an edge of a garden or lawn having an edging extrusion configured for in-ground placement at the edge and including an above-ground upper portion having contained wires extending along a length of the extrusion; the wires being insulated by penetrable sheaths.

Abstract: According to various embodiments of the present invention, an interlocking, modular landscape edging system is provided. Landscape edging member may have male and female ends, and include inner and outer strips. Outer strip may include top and bottom hems to retain inner strip, such that inner strip extends from outer strip to form a flange at male end. Two or more landscape edging members may be joined by inserting flange of male end into top and bottom hems of female end. A finish may be applied to landscape edging to provide color and/or to hinder environmental damage over time. Alternatively, edging member may include outer strip with flange, but no inner strip. Alternatively, edging members may include female end at both ends, and may connect to other edging members via connecting shims. Dual-pointed, U-shaped, colored landscaping pins may straddle landscape edging members and be inserted into the ground for stabilization.

Abstract: A potted plant cultivate assembly includes a frame and multiple rods radially mounted on the frame. A chain wheel is pivotally mounted to a free end of each of the multiple rods. An endless chain is mounted around the multiple chain wheels and driven by a motor. The endless chain has two opposite sides each having a series of suspensions laterally extending therefrom for hanging potted plants. Consequently, the potted plants, hung on the suspensions, are circuitously moved with the endless chain for operator to conveniently plant, manure and spray water by controlling the motor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cultivating channel for supporting substrate material and plants growing therein in a greenhouse, comprising two longitudinal wall portions, between which a cavity is present at least partially for discharging excess water that was previously supplied to the plants, wherein the cultivating channel is embodied in combination with supporting means for supporting the substrate material with the plants. The supporting means of the cultivating channel comprise a supporting plate having a supporting surface for supporting the substrate material with the plants, which supporting surface bounds the cavity at the upper side thereof.

Abstract: A combination for extending between a plant support stake and a plant trunk has a bracket for surrounding the plant support stake and a trunk engaging strap for contacting and enclosing the plant trunk. Reinforcement structure is built into both the bracket and the strap. The strap includes a member that insulates the bracket from the tree trunk to avoid damage to the trunk through contact with the bracket when trunk movement is imposed by outside forces.

Abstract: A string for agricultural use is described, comprising at least one cord 11 and a stop element 14, wherein said cord 11 is folded according to a configuration such that it forms ends 13 and at least one ring 12 and said stop element 14 is provided with at least one hole 15 through which said ends 13 can slide to adjust the width of the ring for performing plant tying operations. The strings according to the invention are of different thickness and length according to their use.

Abstract: An extrusion (10) including a central wall portion (12) and a surrounding perimeter portion (14, 18) whereby the central wall portion (12) divides the extrusion (10) into opposing chambers, said perimeter portion (14, 18) having a respective opening therein into each of said chambers and each said chamber being able to have a perimeter portion (14, 18) of a further extrusion (10) locked thereinto to form an interlocked unit.

Abstract: A self-watering apparatus (1) comprising: (i) a filling tube (2) with an opening (3) at high level, said tube (2) being in fluid communication with a delivery tube (5) located at low level; (ii) a main water holding reservoir (4) adapted, in use, to receive water from said delivery tube (5), said reservoir (4) being in fluid communication with a second delivery tube (11); (iii) at least one storage chamber (10) a having a discharge orifice (13), said storage chamber (10) being adapted, in use, to receive water from the main water holding reservoir (4) by means of a second delivery tube (11) which optionally may have a capillary plug; (iv) optionally, one or more further storage chambers (16) having further discharge orifices (14) at least one of the further storage chambers (16) being in fluid communication with said chamber (10) and a pressure relieving tube (20), and (v) an outlet tube (18) with an opening (19) at high-level within said reservoir (4) through which air can be drawn into the apparatus under t

Abstract: The invention relates to a coated plant seed comprisnig seed that has been coated with a water and oil containing coating composition, which is in the form of an emulsion or an emulsion suspension and comprises a mixture of plant nutrient and fixing agent. The invention also relates to a method for coating seeds.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for producing a liquid inoculant containing a desiccant. The method can improve survival and stability of bacteria in liquid inoculants in pack and on seeds. The method includes providing a liquid inoculant of a bacteria grown to a substantially stationary phase. A desiccant treatment containing a desiccant is added to the liquid inoculant to form a partially desiccated inoculant product. The partially desiccated inoculant product can be packaged and stored. The partially desiccated inoculant product can also be applied to seeds.

Abstract: The invention relates to an active-ingredient-containing pellet comprising an inert core and at least one active ingredient, wherein said active ingredient is advantageous for a plant seed or a plant. The invention also relates to a seed-containing pellet and a method for improving the germination of a seed-containing pellet.

Abstract: A process for breeding plants which comprises growing plants of a species in an array of containers charged with growing medium of uniform characteristics in an environment of controlled climatic conditions with controlled supply of nutrients and feed water and changing the positions of the containers within the environment as required to ensure at least substantially uniform exposure of all plants in the containers to conditions in the environment. A process for the breeding of open pollinating plants in a greenhouse environment is also provided.

Abstract: An oxygen emitter which is an electrolytic cell is disclosed. When the anode and cathode are separated by a critical distance, very small microbubbles and nanobubbles of oxygen are generated. The very small oxygen bubbles remain in suspension, forming a solution supersaturated in oxygen. A flow-through model for oxygenating flowing water is disclosed. The use of supersaturated water for enhancing the growth of plants is disclosed. Methods for applying supersaturated water to plants manually, by drip irrigation or in hydroponic culture are described. The treatment of waste water by raising the dissolved oxygen with the use of an oxygen emitter is disclosed.