Abstract: An ice skate boot comprising an outer shell made of thermoformable material. The outer shell is thermoformed such that it comprises a heel portion for receiving the heel of a foot, an ankle portion for receiving the ankle, medial and lateral side portions for facing the medial and lateral sides of the foot, and medial and lateral toe portions for covering the toes of the foot. The medial and lateral side and toe portions are thermoformed such that they define medial and lateral skirt portions extending downwardly therefrom and forming together a bottom portion for receiving an ice skate blade.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sole made from a first material, at least one receptacle made from a second material, and at least one stud, which can be releasably mounted within the receptacle by inserting a fastening projection of the stud into the receptacle. The fastening projection includes a first locking member, and the receptacle includes a flexible wall having a second locking member. The flexible wall is deflected when the fastening projection is inserted into the receptacle until the first and the second locking members engage.

Abstract: A ladies accessory is provided which includes a Velcro® strip for attachment to an ornamental material including a complementing ornamental material. The look of the accessory can be changed by using different ornamental strips at a fraction of the cost of providing an entirely new shoe.

Abstract: The invention provides a working unit control apparatus of an excavating and loading machine which can always judge a start of an excavation control at a proper timing. The working unit control apparatus has excavating state detecting means (43, 44) detecting an excavating state of a vehicle, and a controller (25) has a load judging portion (48) judging on the basis of a detecting amount, and automatic excavation control means (51) setting and outputting an automatic excavation command value to each of control valves on the basis of the judgement of said load judging portion, and an automatic excavation control is started when a boom lever is operated and it is judged that a vehicle is under excavation.

Abstract: A hydraulic control device of an excavator is provided for controlling combined operation of boom-raising and swing on a slope. A swing priority valve (20) is provided on a pressured fluid supply line (8) that connects a first hydraulic pump (1) to a boom high-speed control valve (7). If an excavator performs its tasks on a slope, the swing priority valve (20) is automatically shifted under a control of an electronic controller (28) into a throttling position to thereby restrict hydraulic flow through the boom high-speed control valve (7) so that an increased amount of hydraulic flow can be supplied to a swing motor (14), thus increasing a swing operating pressure more rapidly than a boom operating pressure and consequently facilitating combined operation of boom-raising and swing on a slope.

Abstract: A pressing iron includes a soleplate which has upwardly and downwardly facing major surfaces opposite to each other. A shell includes a peripheral wall which extends upwardly from a periphery of the soleplate to terminate at an upper peripheral edge, and which defines an air passageway that extends longitudinally. The peripheral wall is formed with a vent port disposed downstream of the air passageway. A ventilation facilitating mechanism is disposed upstream of the vent port to increase flow of air through the air passageway and out of the vent port so as to accelerate a cooling process of the flowing air that draws residual heat off the soleplate after the pressing iron is turned off.

Abstract: A device providing simultaneous visibility of image in the area of 360° around it is conceived in a way to allow visibility of images and simultaneously also allow changing of images during uninterrupted operation and by rendering a not distorted image regardless of the distance of the watching point from the image in the area of 360° around the device. The device of the invention is made of a shield (1), preferably a cylindrical one, which rotates around its axle (2) with an optional drive (3), whereby the shield (1) has a coating with a slot (4) running approximately parallel to the axle (2), whereby the shield (1) has at least one display (5) on the diametral surface or near it, with controlled light points, e.g. liquid crystals (LCD) or light-emitting diodes.

Abstract: A system and method of identifying, tracking, and monitoring abrasive wear of an object, including but not limited to drill pipe, exposed to abrasive surface wear includes a thin, preferably circular, disk or plate with identifying indicia, preferably including 2D code and alpha-numeric characters applied to at least the upper face of the plate, with the plate disposed and connected at the bottom of a cavity formed in the object inward from the surface to a depth greater than the thickness of the disk to protect the identifying indicia from abrasive wear. The depth of the cavity is preferably equal to the thickness of the disk plus the predetermined wear limit for the object, so that when the wear limit is indicated when the upper face of the disk becomes flush with the surface of the object.

Abstract: A method for producing, by a laser that scans the rear side of a transparent object, figures and text that are recessed in the transparent material and that as seen from the outside (5) appear as a raised relief (1) and for which the effect of depth (d, d?) depends on the amplitude of a signal superposed the input, frequency-controlled laser power by which the screen pattern is obtained. By an optimal fineness of scanning relative the material of the sign, the figures may obtain a very strong luminescence even at a very low input edge-illumination power. Furthermore, the invention relates to an edge-illuminated electric sign (L1, L2) with a figure produced by the manufacturing method according to the invention. Furthermore, the invention relates to a mounting system in the form of two interacting moulding strips (3, 4) for mounting one or more electric signs (L1, L2) manufactured according to the invention.

Abstract: A device for alerting individuals of a person's inability to communicate normally due to at least one of deafness and speech problems. The device comprises an emergency emblem for alerting individuals that this person is incapable of communicating normally and a preselected object having the emergency emblem disposed thereon. There is a means engageable with the preselected object for at least one of wearing and hanging such device on such person.

Abstract: The DrivThru Communication Center is a single flat opaque sign/message holder designed specifically for drive-through window service businesses. The width, height, length are determined by the size of the window opening. Clear acrylic sign/message holders are built into the display at intervals so that messages, relating to the business, can be displayed to their customers. On the opposite side (inside facing the business) of the acrylic are another set of messages aimed at motivating employees and showcasing business products as a reminder to employees of sales avenues. Its other purpose, besides communication, is to hide the possible clutter on counters inside the window. Previously there has been no single display designed to serve these purposes other than painted lines or vinyl stretched across the bottom of the window with sign/messages taped to the window.

Abstract: A method of forming signage. A first step involves providing an inventory of discrete alpha-numeric elements, graphic symbols and spacer elements. Each of the alpha-numeric elements displays a single alpha-numeric character. The inventory includes alpha-numeric elements displaying all 26 letters and numbers 0 through 9. A second step involves selecting from the inventory alpha-numeric elements necessary to display a desired message, together with such spacer elements as may be required to hold places between alpha-numeric elements in order to form word or number grouping in the alpha-numeric message. A third step involves arranging the selected alpha-numeric elements and spacer elements in a desired order to display the desired message.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a display apparatus (1), the display item for which can be easily refreshed by a non-specialist. It further relates to a device for displaying information to one or more customers in a hair salon. It further relates to a method for presenting information to one or more customers in a hair salon.

Abstract: An elongated display assembly for removably inserting and simultaneously displaying a plurality of separate flexible and generally flat items to be displayed comprises an elongated open display housing having a flat back panel with an upper front flange and a lower front flange extending along the length and an upper channel and a lower channel extending along the length between the flat back panel, upper front flange and the lower front flange. The channels are for receiving upper and lower respective edges of items to be displayed. The back panel has an elongated score or notch extending along its length capable of separating the panel into an upper frame member and a lower frame member. The front of the display housing is open for removably securing a plurality of separate display items from the front.

Abstract: A display clamp assembly, and a related method, are disclosed for removably attaching a second barrel to a shotgun for display purposes, allowing a retail store (or a buyer) to display the firearm as a combination unit. The extra barrel is attached to the barrel of the fully assembled shotgun. In the preferred embodiment, the display clamp is longitudinally split into two halves. The two halves are mirror images that can be bolted together, along their midsections. When joined, the two halves form collars on opposite ends. One collar is designed to snugly fit around the barrel of an assembled shotgun. The second collar has flared ends that guide the second barrel into the clamp.

Abstract: A riflescope includes an objective optic assembly with a bottom surface that defines a scoop. Upon mounting the riflescope, the scoop receives a portion of a firearm. The scoop eliminates interference between the objective optic assembly and the firearm and allows a centerline of the riflescope to be placed in closer proximity to a centerline of the firearm.

Abstract: A scope mounting system for the U.S. Rifle M-14 type rifle that addresses the problems presented by the inconsistencies of manufacture of both original rifles and the later civilian production rifles and provides a very compact mount that permits the use of the rifle's iron sights. The mount is divided into three parts that allow adjustment of several dimensions to fit the various rifles. The scope-mounting surface is configured for pivotal movement about a front pivot located on the front bracket and the rear block contains an adjustment mechanism to permit precise windage alignment of the scope rail with the rifle barrel.

Abstract: A mount comprising a connecting portion attachable to a firearm, a first member connected to the connecting portion to be rotatable about a first axis, a second member connected to the first member to be rotatable about a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis, and an attachment system connected to the second member for receiving an accessory. Also, a mount attachable to a firearm and having a dampener system connected to base and body portions thereof, the dampener system acting to dampen a recoil force produced by the firearm. Further, a mount attachable to a firearm and allowing a first rotation varying an azimuth of an accessory and a second rotation varying an angle of elevation of the accessory, and control means adjusting the second rotation to obtain a desired value and automatically producing the first rotation to correct a lateral drift of the firearm.

Abstract: A fishing pole handle hinge assembly is provided with a first handle element, a second handle element, and a clamp. The first handle element terminates in a contact surface having a socket. The second handle element terminates in a contact surface having a tapering head configured to be received for pivotal positioning within a socket. The claim extends between the socket and the head. The clamp is configured to compress together the socket and the head to prevent movement of the socket relative to the head.

Abstract: A support stand assembly for a rod and reel combination comprises a horizontal base member with a vertical support member extending from the base member. A linear support arm member is pivotally secured at a first end to the vertical support member, with the support arm member extending horizontally in a support position and pivoting upwardly to a release position. A stop member is secured adjacent a second end of the support arm member with a portion of the arm member extending beyond the stop member. An attachment member is adapted for securement to the rod of a rod and reel combination. The attachment member engages with the portion of the arm member extending beyond the stop member to support the rod and reel combination. In use, the attachment member is secured at the balance point of the rod and reel combination and engaged with the portion of the arm member extending beyond the stop member to support the rod and reel combination in a horizontal position.

Abstract: A fishing line release system is disclosed. The fishing line release system includes a fishing line quick release mechanism that may be used in conjunction with a planar device for trolling or may alternatively be used with a down rigger cable and weight when used in down rigger fishing. When used in conjunction with the planar device, the system may be used for directional trolling. The planar device comprises a planar body, the fishing line quick release mechanism attached to the planar body, and a line locking assembly for securing a portion of a fishing line to the planar body. When used in conjunction with a down rigger cable and weight, the quick release mechanism may be used either on the down rigger cable or may be attached to the down rigger weight.

Abstract: An integrated system to reduce the entry of flying insects into a predefined area; the system includes a plurality of insect management devices that can act as flying insect traps or flying insect repellants that are controlled either remotely via radio signals or through wires, by a micro controller that utilizes several environmental variables such as current wind speed, wind direction, rainfall, humidity, and other variables to then control the release and/or generation of attractants and/or repellents only to selected insect management devices around the predetermined area to be protected. Insect attractant and/or repellant is pumped underground from a central source to selected insect management devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of fuel additives, in particular, to an additive for hydrocarbon fueled burners and flames to enhance efficiency and/or reduce undesirable emissions, such as pollutants. The fuel additive of the invention includes a phosphorus-containing parent solution. The phosphorus salts are at least partially dispersed and/or dissolved in water or other appropriate solvent to create a phosphorus-containing parent solution that forms the basis for the fuel additive. The phosphorus-containing parent solution is added or mixed with a dispersion fluid.

Abstract: The invention concerns a decorative device consisting of a support layer having some flexibility, on one surface of which are set and fixed, along predefined zones, plant or mineral materials of selected colours, which a produce a predetermined pattern. Said materials can be set using a moulding template, provided with orifices corresponding to said zones. Some raised parts left free on the support layer, advantageously surround the various coloured areas. The inventive device is useful for urban and landscape arrangement, as well as for decoration for special events.

Abstract: This invention provides methods, devices, and kits for growing a plant or germinating a seed into a plant; methods and devices for delivering oxygen to a plant or a seed which will germinate into a plant; methods and devices for delivering liquid to a plant; methods and devices for increasing the dissolved oxygen concentration in a liquid to be delivered to a plant; methods and devices for increasing the dissolved oxygen concentration in a liquid within a hydroponics device; terraced oxygenators; aspirators, downdraft venturis, net baskets; germination caps, sets of germination caps; methods for increasing the likelihood of germination of a seed; seed-bearing support media; methods for germinating a seed; and smart garden devices for hydroponics growing systems.

Abstract: An insert assembly is used in combination with a planter container for creating a false bottom therein. The assembly essentially comprises a support platform for supporting a soil-bound plant, an optional spacer member for supporting the support platform, and an optional moisture-receiving tray for collecting and retaining excess moisture emanating from the support platform and the spacer member via the soil. The platform comprises a peripheral support surface that engages either the container or the spacer member for supporting the support platform at the chosen false bottom level in the planter container. Support ribs are integrally formed to the platform to increase its load bearing potential. The spacer member may be utilized as an optional structure to adjust for variable container dimensions and the moisture-receiving tray may be installed at the user's election to maintain a moisture source in inferior adjacency to the support platform.

Abstract: A plant container covering system including a planter and a cover. The planter having an outer surface. The cover being held against the outer surface. The cover including a first side, a second side, a first end, a second end and connection features. The second side is opposite the first side. The first end being adjacent to the first side and the second side. The second end being opposite the first end. The connection features connect the first end and the second end to each other.

Abstract: A floral sleeve and method of using the floral sleeve to cover a pot. The floral sleeve has an inwardly folded bottom gusset for forming a bottom in the sleeve which is concealed by the lower sidewall of the sleeve when the sleeve is opened and a pot is disposed therein. The sleeve may have a detachable upper portion.

Abstract: A flexible sleeve disposable about at least a portion of a flower pot or floral grouping is formed of a flexible polymeric material having at least a portion of one surface thereof modified to provide a textured or matte finish to the flexible sleeve. The flexible sleeve may also be provided with perforations at preselected areas for removing an upper portion of the flexible sleeve from a lower portion thereof. Methods for wrapping a floral grouping or packaging a plant using the flexible sleeve are also described.

Abstract: An insert assembly is used in combination with a planter container for creating a false bottom therein. The assembly essentially comprises a support platform for supporting a soil-bound plant, an optional spacer member for supporting the support platform, and an optional moisture-receiving tray for collecting and retaining excess moisture emanating from the support platform and the spacer member via the soil. The platform comprises a peripheral support surface that engages either the container or the spacer member for supporting the support platform at the chosen false bottom level in the planter container. Support ribs are integrally formed to the platform to increase its load bearing potential. The spacer member may be utilized as an optional structure to adjust for variable container dimensions and the moisture-receiving tray may be installed at the user's election to maintain a moisture source in inferior adjacency to the support platform.

Abstract: A reformer comprises a housing; a substrate disposed in the housing, wherein the substrate comprises a stabilized aluminate and a stabilized zirconate; and a catalyst disposed on the substrate.

Abstract: An on-board fuel processor includes a microchannel steam reforming reactor (30) and a water vaporizer (40) heated in series with a combustion gas. The reformer (30) and the vaporizer (40) are both of a cross-flow panel configuration that allows for low combustion side pressure drop. Fuel is directly injected into the steam, and during a rapid cold start, both the combustion gas flow rate and the steam to carbon ratio are substantially increased relative to their steady state operating values. A rapid cold start can be achieved in under 30 seconds with a manageable amount of electric power consumption, removing impediments to use in automotive fuel cell applications.

Abstract: A pet door assembly that includes a support structure that defines an access opening through which a pet can pass. A connecting arrangement is positioned on the support structure to permit the support structure to be connected to at least one connector fastenable to an inwardly facing surface of a closure frame. A self-closing door is mounted on the support structure to be displaceable between a closed position in which the door closes the access opening and an open position.

Abstract: A guide member for guiding a cable in an automotive vehicle, wherein the cable includes a handle having a grab portion and a stem supported at an end of the cable. The guide member includes a fastener, a guide portion and an end portion. The fastener is operative for fixedly securing said guide member to the vehicle. The fastener is integrally formed with the guide portion. The guide portion has a curved surface guiding the cable thereabout. Flanges extend from opposite sides of the curved surface. A retaining wall extends between the flanges. The retaining wall is spaced from the curved surface for retaining the cable therebetween.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a clip and frame assembly for a louvre window, including a frame with a frame channel and a clip rotatably coupled to the frame, the clip having at least one chamber on its back surface adapted to direct water along a flow path to an aperture into the frame channel. The invention extends to a pairing of adjacent clips wherein one or more chambers in an upper clip direct water into a chamber in a lower clip which is, in turn, directed into the frame channel. Preferably, the clip includes four chambers on the back surface with each chamber in fluid connection with at least one other chamber either in the same clip or in an adjacent clip. The invention extends to a chamber being formed in a recess adapted to receive an edge of a louvre plate wherein water in this chamber is also directed into the frame channel through an aligned aperture. Further embodiments of the invention may include one or more chambers which discharge water outwardly of the clip.

Abstract: The invention provides a glass pane having a central portion and a peripheral portion. The peripheral portion is heat-treated to increase its resistance to breakage and the central portion is not heat-treated. The glass pane is suitable for use as a window in a window frame. The invention also provides methods of forming a glass pane suitable for use as a window in a window frame.

Abstract: The gutter debris screen includes a front mounting portion, a central screen portion, and a rear mounting portion. The central screen portion includes a fine mesh top layer coupled to a supporting bottom layer of expanded metal having a coarse gauge mesh. The central screen portion has at least one longitudinally extending reinforcement rib formed by a downward fold of the screen layers. The front mounting member is formed from sheet metal and provides a lip that engages the front or outer wall of the gutter channel. The rear mounting member is also formed from sheet metal, and may be flat to fit between the roof and the roof shingle, or may be formed generally as an angle adapted for fastening to the rear or shingle wall of the gutter when the roof has bent shingles. The front and rear mounting portions are crimped to the central portion.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for delivery storage. The delivery storage apparatus includes an outer opening to allow an individual delivering the goods to place the articles of food directly into the delivery storage apparatus disposed at a side of a house without the presence of the owner. The delivery storage apparatus also includes an inner opening to allow the owner to retrieve the articles of food from the delivery storage apparatus.

Abstract: A cover includes a rubber main body, and several clipping elements; the main body has a hollow truncated-cone shaped portion, an annular or square connecting portion around a lower end of the truncated-cone shaped portion, a longitudinal aperture extending from the upper end to an outward edge of the annular portion, and first and second elongate protrusions along those edges thereof that are adjacent to the longitudinal aperture; the first elongate protrusion has an uppermost covering portion capable of closely touching an upper side of the second protrusion; the clipping elements are used to clamp the first and the second elongate protrusions together so as to close the longitudinal aperture after the rubber main body is positioned around a pipe passed through a part of a building to prevent leakage through the joint between the pipe and the part of the building as a best property.

Abstract: Glazing bars forming part of a roof for a conservatory or the like are coupled to the ridge beam of the roof by pivotal connections which are located at or adjacent the upper edges of the glazing bars in order to simply assembly of the bars to the ridge beam. A mounting bracket for connecting glazing bars to the eaves beam of a roof structure is produced as an extruded profile and is used in conjunction with an intermediate component, which can also be produced as an extrusion, to effect coupling of the glazing bar to the eaves beam.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to an assembly for ornamentation of grave monuments. This assembly is designed to be attached to a memorial vase, that is secured to a cemetery grave marker. This assembly is enabled to provide the bereaved both illuminated and non-illuminated memorials for the deceased.

Abstract: A wall bracing apparatus for mounting between a wall and the floor during construction. The wall bracing apparatus includes a tube that is mounted to a wall-mounted device and a floor-mounted device. The wall-mounted device has a backing plate and a front plate on opposite sides of the wall. A t-bar having a head at one end and a shaft through which a hole is formed extends through aligned central apertures in the plates and a wedge is inserted in the hole near the front plate end of the t-bar. A pair of ears on the front plate has aligned holes through which a pin extends that is also inserted through the tube. A duplicate of the front plate can be mounted to the floor and the opposite end of the tube can pivotably mount to the ears thereof.

Abstract: A Shock absorbing support system isolates vibrations that would otherwise pass through the important instrument mounted on the vibration source. The isolation includes springs and dampers under the bottom of the instrument while dampers around tops of the instrument. The combination of the springs and the dampers results in a dissipation of kinetic energy caused by vibrations that would otherwise pass through the instrument and cause significant dynamic load and damages to the support and the instrument.

Abstract: A structural member and method of constructing a wall structure in the ground using the structural member is provided. The structural member includes a shield removably coupled to a structural beam so that a chamber is defined between the shield and the structural beam. The shield member is configured to be removable when the structural member is in the ground. Components disposed in the chamber are protected during construction of the wall structure and are exposed when needed in a specific stage of construction. The components can be pre-attached to the structural beam and may include reinforcing bars to provide reinforcement continuity to the wall structure. The components may also include water stops to inhibit water flow through the wall structure. Methods constructing a wall structure in the ground using the structural member and for constructing an extended wall structure in the ground using the structural member are provided.

Abstract: A temporary railing for a boundary of a building floor may include a plurality of temporary cable supports spaced along the boundary of the building floor, a plurality of vertically spaced apart cables carried by the temporary cable supports, and an access opening assembly for permitting temporary establishment of an access opening through each of the cables. The access opening assembly may include a cable jack selectively coupled in line with a respective cable and movable between a released position and a closed position, and at least one cable clamp selectively clamped to the respective cable to maintain tension beyond the access opening when the cable jack is in the released position.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a covering arrangement suitable for covering a water tank which can be mounted onto an external portion of a building, said covering arrangement being made in the shape of an architectural component, and further comprises an angular positioning device such as to keep said tank in a substantially vertical position; an apparatus comprises a covering arrangement suitable for covering a component of an air-conditioning system which can be mounted onto an external portion of a building, said covering arrangement being made in the shape of an architectural component; a method comprises: reproducing a selected part of a building to get an image therefrom on a layer element; applying said layer element onto a supporting surface surrounding a functional non-architectural element.

Abstract: A composite wood flooring system for a vehicular trailer floor comprising: a plurality of wood boards, each wood board comprising a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface; and a filled thermoplastic composite layer comprising a thermoplastic polymer and a discontinuous filler, the thermoplastic layer being substantially bonded to the top surface of each wood board.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ground flooring device, system and method which provides heretofore unknown strength, versatility, lightness of weight, durability, portability, storability and liquid management capabilities. The invention includes connectable slats or panels having connection means which allow a series of slats to be quickly assembled, rolled up for storage or transport, and unrolled for deployment. The slats can be secured in a series, and a series of slats can be secured in multiple rows to create a solid, manipulable floor readily deployable on ground areas of virtually any shape and wetness characteristics.

Abstract: A storm shutter for protecting building windows from severe weather. The storm shutter includes a panel with a slot for covering a window. A pair of retaining collars is affixed to the panel at the opposite ends of the slot. A brace is slidably secured to the panel by means of the collars. Each brace includes a pair of legs having pivotally connected inner ends. A pair of feet is hingedly to the outer ends of the legs and slidably extends through the retaining collars. A pair of shoes is affixed to the feet for gripping a window frame.

Abstract: A storm panel mounting system which uses a mounting bracket with sliding upper and lower rails is secured directly onto a wall. The stud bracket slidably attach to the mounting bracket allows some lateral movement of the attachment bolts which permits variances in the location of the apertures in the storm panel. Further, it provides a decorative cover that conceals the attachment bracket when the storm panels are not being used. A stud bracket slidably mounts on the upper and lower rails of the mounting bracket. The stud bracket has at least one bolt extending outward from the wall which is used to secure a storm panel with wing nuts. When not needed, the stud bracket is removed and a decorative cover replaces it. The decorative cover is also mounted on the mounting bracket by sliding it over the upper and lower rails.