Abstract: A water-resistant and floatable footwear including an outsole and insole, and an upper member affixed to the sole, wherein the footwear is floatable in water. In particular, the insole of the footwear is constructed of the material “marine buoy;” that is, the insole has an inner structure and an outer coating, the inner structure being constructed of a thermoplastic resin and the outer coating being constructed of a vinyl polymer. The footwear is advantageously water-proof and provides buoyancy in water.

Abstract: A sole structure is provided that can improve cushioning and bending properties of the sole heel portion. The sole assembly 1 is formed of an upper plate 2 disposed on the upper side of the heel portion H, a wavy lower plate 3 provided below the upper plate 2 in the heel portion H and having at least two convex portions 30, 31 that protrude downwardly and that are adapted to form voids C relative to the upper plate 2, and a plurality of outsole portions 51-55 that are divided in the longitudinal direction and that are attached to the lower surfaces of the convex portions 30, 31 of the lower plate 3.

Abstract: A cushioned foot pad configured to adhere to the bottom surface of an individual's foot without the use of straps, ties, or other securing devices the might otherwise engage with the toes and toenails of the individual during use. The cushioned foot pad may be configured to accommodate a variety of different foot shapes and sizes in a unitary design through the use of detachable pad portions. The cushioned foot pad is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and may be stored in bulk without consuming undo space.

Abstract: An insole has a heel support including a projection that presses and stimulates the tibial nerve and the medial sural cutaneous nerve, which are located in the proximity of the tuber calcanei of the foot. The insole corrects the shape of the arch of the sole and thus improves blood circulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe sole including a cushioning element. The shoe sole can include a heel cup or heel rim having a shape that substantially corresponds to the shape of heel of a foot. Further, the heel part can include a plurality of side walls arranged below the heel cup or rim and at least one tension element that interconnects at least one side wall to another side wall or to the heel cup or rim. The heel cup or rim, the plurality of side walls, and the at least one tension element can be integrally formed as a single piece.

Abstract: This invention is relating to a new kind of footwear, of which the top layer of the sole is made up with an even surface and an uneven surface. This new kind of footwear can offer both health protection and comfortable wearing, and this invention can be applied in many kinds of shoes including but not limited to sandals, slippers and so on.

Abstract: A reversed kinetic system for a shoe sole includes a fluid chamber containing fluid and a fluid expansion chamber in fluid communication with the fluid chamber, wherein the fluid chamber and fluid expansion chamber are separated by an elastic spring including at least one valve providing fluid communication. Each valve preferably comprises an inlet bore through the elastic spring and a yieldable diaphragm having a valve bore, whereby foot pressure on the fluid chamber causes fluid to dissipate through the valve bore into the fluid expansion chamber, wherein the dissipation of fluid through the valve bore causes friction and absorbs energy. Removing the foot pressure creates a negative pressure gradient in the fluid expansion chamber causing the yieldable diaphragm to release and allowing fluid to flow back into the fluid chamber through the inlet bore.

Abstract: An integrated article of footwear including a waterproofing membrane direct attached to an upper of the footwear. An outsole is further secured to the membrane and/or the upper. In one embodiment, the membrane includes a visible aesthetic bead in the footwear forefoot region, but not the heel region. The membrane may be of greater thickness in the forefoot region to provide added rigidity. A heel cradle is positioned in the footwear heel region between the upper and the outsole. The footwear provides the durability of a direct attach construction in the forefoot and the comfort and cushion of an athletic construction in the heel of the shoe. A method for constructing the footwear includes direct attaching the membrane to an upper of the shoe. Optionally, a heel cradle is disposed in the heel region of the shoe, and the outsole is secured to the heel cradle and/or upper there.

Abstract: A flexible anti-nail protective footwear, which prevents injuries caused by pointed objects penetrating from below, comprises an upper part which is closed at its lower portion; a flexible outsole attached to the upper part; and a flexible anti-nail protective layer comprising a felted layer of polymer fibers, in which felted layer the polymer fibers are present in a non-woven condition. The flexible anti-nail protective layer is arranged in between the upper part and the flexible outsole or within the flexible outsole.

Abstract: A sport shoe provides a set of four rings each one of the rings separately engaged with the shoe and free to rotate between opposing positions abutting the exterior surface of the shoe on opposite sides of the ring. A frontal ring is centered on the instep and, when rotated to a medial rotational attitude, is aligned vertically and with a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the shoe. An inside ring, when rotated to its medial rotational attitude is aligned horizontally and centered relative to the height of the inside of the shoe. An outside ring, when rotated to its medial rotational attitude is aligned horizontally and centered relative to the height of the outside of the shoe. A rear ring is centered on the back of the shoe and, when rotated to its medial rotational attitude, is aligned vertically and with the longitudinal axis of symmetry.

Abstract: A device for filling an open trench with the dirt previously removed from the trench lying alongside the trench, using a skid-mounted frame having blades to initially fill the trench and leveling the dirt, followed by a compactor.

Abstract: A Heating System is provided for heating the hydraulic fluid of a hydraulic unit used with a power source and having a reservoir for retaining hydraulic fluid. The heating system comprises a heating element located in the reservoir. A switch is included along with a power line for connecting the power source to the switch. An electrical line is connected to the switch and is connected to the power line when the switch is closed. A relay is connected to the electrical line. A return line is connected to the relay and to the power source and a heater line connected to the relay and to the heater.

Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments are provided of wheeled shovels. In one exemplary embodiment, a wheeled shovel generally includes a wheel assembly having an axle and a wheel. The wheeled shovel also includes a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion. The frame may be disposed relative to the axle such that the axle is operable as a fulcrum about which the frame may pivot. A handle may be disposed at about the upper portion of the frame. A shovel blade may be disposed at about the lower portion of the frame. The wheel assembly, frame, handle, and shovel blade may be cooperatively configured so as to enable the wheeled shovel to throw a load of material generally upwardly and forwardly away from the shovel blade in response to a sufficient force applied to the handle for pivoting the frame relative to the axle with a recoil generated through the fulcrum at the axle.

Abstract: The boundary tracking system has a plurality of signal transmitting devices located to represent at least one boundary of a work site. The boundary tracking system also has a receiving device configured to receive signals transmitted from one or more of the plurality of transmitting devices and to generate an output based on the received signals. The boundary tracking system also has a controller configured to determine a location of at least one of the plurality of transmitting devices based on the output from the receiving device.

Abstract: A working machine includes a hydraulic control apparatus. In a straight travel valve of the hydraulic control apparatus, a communication path and a control valve that opens and closes the communication path are provided. During a combined operation of traveling operation and working operation, a working pressure and a traveling pressure are taken in as pilot pressures on either side. During a small traveling operation in which the traveling operation amount is small, the communication path is unconditionally closed. During a large traveling operation in which the traveling operation amount is large, if the working pressure is higher than the traveling pressure, the communication path is open, and if the working pressure is lower than the traveling pressure, the communication path is closed.

Abstract: A wear assembly includes an adapter with a nose, a wear member with a socket to receive the nose, and a lock to secure the wear member to the adapter. The nose and socket include complementary rails and grooves that vertically diverge as they extend from the front of the nose. The lock can have a tapered construction.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable label and labeling system including a key label (10) having a substantially cylindrical sleeve having an inner surface (11) and an outer surface (12) and formed of a heat shrink material of a size to fit around a head end (15) of a key (12) and to be shrunk to substantially encase the head end (15) of the key (12).

Abstract: A switching gesture display device for vehicles includes a main box and a shaft rotatably mounted in the main box with opposite ends extending through and outside the main box, the shaft being rotatable between an initial position and a rotated position. Two primary indicia displays are mounted on the opposite ends of the shaft, the two primary indicia displays being displayed in a generally upright position when the shaft is in the initial position, and two secondary indicia displays are mounted on the shaft generally adjacent the two primary indicia displays, the two secondary indicia displays being displayed in a generally upright position when the shaft is in the rotated position. A shaft rotation device rotates the shaft between the initial position and the rotated position to alternatively display the two primary indicia displays in the initial position and the two secondary indicia displays in the rotated position.

Abstract: A transparent light-conducting module includes a transparent plate and a sheet light source. The transparent plate has at least one predetermined pattern, which has at least one oblique side. The sheet light source is disposed on at least one lateral side of the transparent plate. The lights emitted by the sheet light source can penetrate through the transparent plate, so that the transparent plate appears bright. The oblique sides of the predetermined pattern can refract the lights from the sheet light source to present a different visual appearance and brightness from the transparent plate around it, thus presenting an extremely aesthetic stereoscopic effect. Therefore, the transparent light-conducting module may be disposed at any location to be marked or advertised for achieving quite a remarkable or advertising effect. Moreover, the elements of the transparent light-conducting module are simple and easy to assemble.

Abstract: A transparent light-conducting module includes a transparent plate and a sheet light source. The transparent plate has at least one predetermined pattern, which has at least one oblique side. The sheet light source may be disposed on at least one lateral side of the transparent plate. Lights emitted by the sheet light source can penetrate through the transparent plate, so that the transparent plate appears bright. The oblique sides of the predetermined pattern can refract the lights from the sheet light source to present a different visual appearance and brightness from the transparent plate around it, thus presenting an aesthetic stereoscopic effect.

Abstract: An illuminated sign, internally illuminated by a source such as one or more LED'S generally located at one end, and having a character panel with at least partially transmissive portions to define the characters of the sign. The character panel is curved so as to face the source more squarely at distances further from the source. By this arrangement, the geometric fall-off of illumination with increasing distance from the source is compensated for by the curvature of the character panel, such that more uniform illumination is provided than with prior art flat panels. Power management systems for solar charged illuminated signs are also described, in which the illumination level of the sign is adjusted according to the ambient solar flux and according to the charge-holding capacity of the battery. The system also warns of the impending end of battery life without interrupting the sign functionality.

Abstract: An advertising frame for use with a vehicle so as to render the advertising frame mobile is provided. The advertising frame includes a vehicle engagement that is configured for engaging a vehicle. A signage member is included and is configured for carrying advertising signage. The signage member is pivotable with respect to the vehicle engagement member so as to be configured for providing access to the rear of a vehicle. A tailgate, hatch, trunk, spare tire or other component or portion of the rear of the vehicle may be accessed by pivoting the signage member out of the way.

Abstract: A display device for photographs having a transparent sheet with a first and a second side. An opaque grid is formed on one of the sides of the transparent sheet and this grid forms at least two distinct and independent viewing areas through the transparent sheet. A pockets page is disposed over one of the sides of the transparent sheet. This pockets page includes a receiving slot associated with each viewing area so that, upon insertion of a photograph or similar item through the receiving slot, the pockets page positions and supports the photograph in alignment with the viewing area associated with the slot.

Abstract: A pistol with a firing pin includes a firing pin safety provided in the breech part. To afford a firing pin safety that is as simple and operationally safe as possible, a resilient tongue attached on an external side face of the breech part is provided, which resilient tongue forms a hook extending into the interior of the breech part, which hook comes to lie in front of a shoulder provided on the striker when the latter is in its cocked position, and the resilient tongue has a downwardly projecting web which cooperates with the trigger arm. The resilient tongue is integrally formed with an ejector spring.

Abstract: A locking lever for spring loaded retainment of a removable ammunition magazine on a firearm and methods of operating the same are disclosed. An example locking lever includes a locking end that engages the ammunition magazine in a locked position and retains the magazine. The example locking lever also includes an operating end for rotation of the locking end to an unlocked position in which the locking end releases the magazine. The operating end is provided with at least a first operative control and a differently oriented second operative control at least one of which can be actuated to rotate the locking end into the unlocked position.

Abstract: This invention encompasses articles, compositions, and methods that provide enhanced corrosion resistance and wear resistance to firearms, firearm components, and firearm accessories. In one aspect, for example, a substrate comprising a firearm component is coated with a first layer of a corrosion-resistant material such as a first metal, followed by a second thin film layer of an abrasion-resistant material such as a second metal, a ceramic material such as a metal nitride, diamond-like carbon material, or other materials.

Abstract: A projectile system includes an enclosure, first and second propellants and first and second projectiles. The first and second propellants are disposed within the enclosure. The first projectile is disposed within the enclosure between the first propellant and a first end of the enclosure, and is operable to exit the enclosure via the first end in response to detonation of the first charge. The second projectile is disposed within the enclosure between the second propellant and a second end of the enclosure, and is operable to exit the enclosure via the second end in response to the detonation of the second propellant.

Abstract: Mounting of a sight on a firearm semi-automatic or automatic shotgun of the type comprising a housing through which a screw extends which receives a threaded securing cap which is notched to cooperate with an elastic stub at one end of the housing, said mounting being characterized in that it comprises a support having a ring at one end designed to engage with the screw and comprising, on the one hand, a hole designed to receive the elastic stub and, on the other hand, a second elastic stub designed to cooperate with the notches, said ring being connected by a tab with a small plate that is folded over to extend above the barrel, means being provided to secure the sight onto the small plate.

Abstract: A practice device for use with a gun includes a laser-producing mechanism for producing a laser beam simulating a fired-bullet pathway. The device includes a bore insert with a striker member which the firing pin of the gun impacts and moves during a firing movement thereof. The movement of the striker member moves an electrical switch mounted on the bore insert to form a closed electrical circuit to activate the laser-producing mechanism. The electrical switch automatically returns to an open-circuit position to turn the laser beam off. A support which preferably includes resilient plastic bristles extends radially outwardly from the bore insert to prevent damage to the gun bore inner surface and to allow for use with guns having different bore sizes. The laser-producing mechanism is pivotally mounted on the bore insert to provide alignment thereof.

Abstract: A firearm sighting system includes a rear sight unit having a plurality of separate sight elements adaptable for “zeroing” the same gun with different ammunition. In preferred embodiments, a rear sight unit comprises windage and elevation adjustments for each of two sight elements, so that multiple ammunition types having different trajectories may be fired accurately from a single firearm after zeroing-in one of the plurality of sight elements for each of the different ammunition types. Preferably, the separate sight elements may be connected to each other or to a common pivot arm or movable bracket so that moving one sight element into the sight path automatically removes the other from the line of vision. Elevation adjustments may be done in various ways, for example, by sliding sight elements out along an arm or bracket, or by changing an angle of the arm or bracket relative to the firearm.

Abstract: The present invention is a fish bite or strike alarm which is attachable to multiple types of rod holders. It alerts the angler of a fish striking or tugging on a baited fishing line. An important feature of the present invention is it not attached to the fishing rod, pole or line in any manner. Like no prior art it is attached to rod holders and extends outward in front of the rod holder. It has a unique fishing rod/pole nest which senses fishing rod/pole pressure exerted by the torsional force of the rod caused by a fish bite/strike activity. The nest cradles the fishing rod or pole and transfers torsional movement from the fishing rod or pole and activates a switch by compression force. When the switch is compressed to the actuation point, a standard battery power source signal is sent to any number of alerts devices such as a pizeo sounder, light emitting diodes LED's, wireless remote embodiments containing but not limited to piezo sounders, LED's, vibrators, and voice programmable audio alerts.

Abstract: An apparatus for attracting fish by means of generating an electric voltage that mimics the natural voltage emitted by the movement of baitfish. Passing a ferrous magnet back and forth through a coil of wire generates the electric voltage. The movement of the lure in the water creates the motion of the magnet, thus generating and transmitting voltage to the water via the lure hook eyelets.

Abstract: There is a large number of fishing rod holders described in the patent literature designed to be Assembled for use and disassembled for transport and storage. Many are very complicated and hard to Use and store. My rod holder is very a very simple one with only two moving parts and no assembly Or disassembly required. In it's folded position it will lay in the bottom of a 5 gallon pail. Being only 1½? high and 10? in diameter when folded several can be stored and transported at one time. To set up simply lift the pivoting arm to the desired position and turn the PVC rod butt Holder perpendicular to the circular base and you are ready for use.

Abstract: A pole holder is provided that includes a shell, a stem, and a pivot joint. In one embodiment, the holder includes a clamp that enables the holder to be attached to a variety of structures. In another embodiment, the holder includes an auger that allows the holder to be secured within a solid medium such as ice.

Abstract: A fishing fly for catching a fish, comprising a folded rubber string core, one or more materials surrounding the folded rubber string core form a pattern representative of food available to the fish, and an eye formed by a continuous section of the folded rubber string core extending from the one or more materials is provided. The one or more materials may include thread, feathers, or beads. The core may alternatively be metal, plastic, or unfolded rubber. A method of fishing using the fishing fly is also provided. The method includes attaching a fly to a line containing a hook at one end, the fly being attached at some distance from the hook, placing the hook end of the line into a body of water to be fished, and retrieving one or more fish caught on the hook.

Abstract: A lure for attracting and engaging a fish includes a main body shaped so as to resemble a crab. A bill extends from a forward end of the body. A keel extends from a bottom of the body and terminates at one side at the bill to maintain stability of the lure when in motion. Swim fins and/or legs extend from a lateral edge of the body for increased stability and for more realistically simulating an actual crab. A hook extends from a rear of the body for engaging a fish attracted to the lure. A wire harness extends between the forward end and the rearward end of the body to strengthen the body.

Abstract: An arrangement of fishing tackle in which a line has a hook coupled to a first end of the line, a swivel or other device for attaching a second end of the line to a main line, and a weighted lure slidably mounted on the line, the weighted lure sized in the range of 1/8 oz. to 1.2 oz., having a substantially spherical configuration, and a color scheme for attracting fish. Ideally the weighted lure can slide along the line from the hook to the swivel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel fish hooks for use in making fishing flies or lures. The inventive hooks are designed such that the fishing fly dressings (e.g. fur, feathers, artificial eyes, artificial wings, tinsel, and other material) used to make the fly or lure may be securely affixed thereto. The design of the inventive hook, as described in more detail below, prevents the fishing fly dressings from loosening, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the fish hook in attracting and ensnaring fish.

Abstract: A method and device for affixing an attachment to a fishing line are disclosed. The device is generally configured with an eye at the distal end of a wire shank and an open loop at the proximal end of the shank. However, rather than terminating the loop at the proximal end of the shank by wrapping the proximal end of the wire tightly around the shaft, the wire is loosely wrapped around the shank so as to permit an attachment to fit over the end of the wire and slide easily around the shank until the attachment is removeably positioned within the loop at the proximal end of the shank.

Abstract: A live bait well for storing and maintaining live bait includes a container having an egg shape. The container includes a top lid connected by a hinge to a main body and a water tight seal provided by a gasket. The container includes molded cooling device holders and a drain. A water purification system is provided that includes a pump and an oxygen aerator infusion device and a charcoal filter in line in a tube system connected to an outlet port and an inlet port of the main body of the container.

Abstract: The present invention provides for pest detection apparatus which signals the detection of a pest and subsequently retains the pest for the purpose of inspection and which includes an entrapment portion (42) accessible via an entrance portion (34) such that detection means detects the presence of a pest in the region of the entrapment portion (42) and which apparatus is likely to be most effective in capturing small animals of the phylum Arthropoda but may similarly be used with other small pests such as rodents.

Abstract: An insect and arachnid trap (10, 100) comprises a substrate (12) having a top surface (14) onto which a sticky substance (24) is deposited. One embodiment of the trap (10) is provided with a reinforcing rib (26) to reinforce the thin sheet substrate. The trap (10, 100) may also have a channel (22, 22) into which the sticky substance (24) is deposited. The top surface (14) may have a smooth finish and be inclined to the horizontal in order to prevent trapped insects and arachnids from extricating themselves from the sticky substance. The sticky substance is a composition which includes polybutene oil and polyisobutylene. The sticky substance preferably includes 5-15 wt % polyisobutylene. This sticky substance in combination with the channel and smooth top surface provides an insect and arachnid trap which is more effective than known examples. The reinforcing rib ensures that the substrate (12) does not fold back upon itself when handled after use. Contact with trapped insects or arachnids is thus avoided.

Abstract: The invention involves a device for putting an anti-mite agent into a mattress. In order to ensure that a mattress is not just sprayed on the surface with an anti-mite agent, it is proposed to provide a corresponding device with structural components which have at least one hollow needle, with which an outer covering of a mattress is punctured so that a mattress can be vaccinated using these devices with anti-mite agent.

Abstract: Bait stations are provided which present the ability to monitor bait and expand capacity of bait without materially adversely affecting feeding activity. In one form a slow acting toxicant-laced attractant is provided in the station. The station has an outer housing, an openable opaque lid, and a transparent window moveable relative to both the lid and housing. One can move the lid while leaving the window in place, or move both the lid and window. Removal of both permits attachment of a second such housing to the first, while the first remains in place. The lid and window can then be affixed to the second housing. These stations can be used to control termites and other crawling pests.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a halophyte, such as Kosteletzkya virginica, in producing oil for conversion to biodiesel fuel. The present invention is alternatively directed to the use of salinized land or irrigation of non-saline land with saltwater for production of biodiesel fuel, without using valuable freshwater resources.

Abstract: Electronic commutation device with multiple electrodes to electrocute noxious plants”, the present invention refers to an electro mechanic device, generator of electric discharges to eradicate noxious weeds by using an electrode subdivided into smaller electrodes, called multiple electrodes, whereas each multiple electrode is fed by a tension between 1,000 and 35,000 volts, by an electronic commutation system that alternates periods of conduction and cut of electric energy supply for each multiple electrode, lasting between 0.01 and 2.

Abstract: The invention proposes a potting machine (1) for potting flowerpots (2), with a conveying device (3) comprising a plurality of pot retainers (4) for a respective flowerpot (2), and with a housing ring (5) surrounding the conveying device (3). To enable the flowerpots to be labeled in a simple manner even during the potting operation, the potting machine (1) comprises a labeling device (11) which is provided with a dispensing tongue (12) for stripping off labels (13) and applying them to the flowerpots (2). The labeling device (11) is connected to a positioning device (22) comprising a joint (23) and having a positioning arm (24) for pivoting the labeling device (11) and positioning the dispensing tongue (12) against the flowerpots (2).

Abstract: Selectably composed cellulose fiber covering for deployment in providing desired aesthetic and environmental conditions, demonstrating significant potential incorporation of recycled/reclaimed materials, facilitated by specialized equipment of varying size and automation, and methods therefore.

Abstract: A portable greenhouse having a generally rectangular bottom and four side walls. An arched roof having a plurality of parallel translucent panels extends from a first side wall and has a distal edge that can be secured to an opposing second side wall to define an enclosed region within the side walls and beneath the roof. The opposing third and fourth side walls have curved upper portions beneath the roof with a number of windows to ventilate the greenhouse.

Abstract: A horticultural cut flower container assembly comprising a plastic bag with a folded cross shaped base member of flexible foam material secured to the bag, the cross shaped foam material being adapted to receive the stem ends of a bunch of cut flowers and a drawstring mounted to the bag encircling the bag and stem ends of a bunch of cut flowers to hold the stem ends in said bag in a secured position.