Abstract: This present invention describes a system of waterproof shoes with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) insteps, including vamp, instep and sole, in which the waterproof welt coated with waterproof glue is gummed on the seam between the vamp and the sole; the metal section, instep, mid-sole and inner welt is formed in integration by injecting with TPU polyurethane, in which the outer and inner welts are gummed with glue and sewn firmly with threads on the opposite sides of the instep; a metal piece is put between the thin bottom and the filling materials on the bottom side of the instep. The waterproof methods (the waterproof outer surface of the instep, and the waterproof welt coated with waterproof glue and gummed on the seam between the vamp and the sole reach the purpose of saving the materials and labor, obtaining the waterproof effects which is even better than those of the traditional waterproof shoes and may provide more functionality and better visual effects.

Abstract: A shoe with a removable and interchangeable heel that may be removably secured to a heel region of the shoe sole, thus, allowing the user to adjust the way the shoe engages a ground surface. The shoe includes an attachment system for removably securing the removable and interchangeable heel to the heel region of the shoe sole, the attachment system comprising a magnetic fastener between the removable and interchangeable heel and the heel region of the shoe sole.

Abstract: A pedal connection arrangement includes a pedal having a spherical portion with an outer spherical surface. The pedal connection arrangement also includes a bicycle shoe that has a pedal gripping cavity that directly engages at least portions of the outer spherical surface of the pedal when the shoe is engaged with the pedal. The shoe is configured so that the pedal gripping cavity securely grips outer spherical surface of the pedal, yet remains free to swivel in various directions about the spherical portion of the pedal when the shoe is engaged with the pedal. The various directions include directions other than about the pedal longitudinal axis, thereby giving more flexibility for movement of the rider's foot while maintaining positive contact between the shoe and the pedal.

Abstract: The invention is directed to intelligent systems for articles of footwear that adjust automatically in response to a measured performance characteristic. The intelligent systems include one or more adjustable elements coupled to a mechanism that actuates the adjustable elements in response to a signal from a sensor to modify the performance characteristic of the article of footwear. The intelligent system adjusts the performance characteristics of the article of footwear without human intervention.

Abstract: The shoes with electrostatic grounding includes a sole, connected to the top of the shoes, an insole placed on the sole, and an electro conductive element, made as one or more rivets, connecting the sole with the insole and providing reliable electric contact between the user's body and a ground under the user's shoes.

Abstract: A pipeline padding machine includes two control station locations. One location is for controlling operation of the machine while the machine is operated on one side of a ditch, and the other location is for controlling operation of the machine while the machine is operated on an opposite side of the ditch. Another pipeline padding machine includes a material escalator assembly for elevating material, and a material conditioning assembly for conditioning the material. Another pipeline padding machine includes a main frame attached to a transport assembly for transporting the machine, a material escalator assembly for elevating material, and a cutting edge for cutting through the material prior to the material being elevated by the escalator assembly. The escalator assembly is pivotable relative to the main frame, and the cutting edge is pivotable relative to the escalator assembly.

Abstract: A coupling arrangement for securing two separable components in an excavating operation includes a wear component, a base component and a lock. The lock has a body having a configuration adapted to be received in a hole in the base component, and a rotatable locking member. The locking member includes a flange that is movable between a locking position wherein the flange holds the lock in the assembly and a release position wherein the flange permits the lock to be removed from the assembly. In the release position, the flange sets within the axial extension of the outline of the body. In the locking position, at least part of the flange sets outside the axial extension of the outline of the body. In one construction, the rotation of the locking member to the locking position tightens the fit of the wear component on the base component.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for loading flat articles of clothing into a laundry processing unit is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a frame having an entrance opposite an end of a conveyor belt, at least one loading post controlled by an operator, with a first pair of clamps for an article of clothing, and means for lifting the clamps until the article is transferred to a second pair of clamps associated with a spreader, including a pivoting arm supporting clamps connected to a slide slidably mounted on a tilted guide rail and rotation driving means of arm and translation driving means of slide serve to move clamps in a combined translation and rotation trajectory.

Abstract: An iron comprising a sole plate and a heating body (2) provided with a heating element (201), wherein the heating body (2) includes a first steam chamber (210) used for ordinary ironing, and a second steam chamber (220) used to provide extra steam when the iron is in a horizontal position, or a steam jet when the iron is in a vertical position, and liquid is supplied to said second steam chamber (220) by means of a pump manually operated by the user and combined with a steam circuit (223) ending in a set of vapour outlets in the sole plate, characterised in that when the iron is held in a vertical position, the second steam chamber (220) operates as a boiler-type steam generator, and in that when the iron is in said vertical position, the shape of the second steam chamber (220) is such that the liquid injected by the pump can be retained prior to vaporisation.

Abstract: A universal silkscreen securement device for reliable attaching and tensioning a pre-cut silkscreen having peripheral securement devices to a variety of frames allowing the full use of the screen surface.

Abstract: A portable electronic apparatus includes a host module including a first housing, a first fixing device installed on the first housing, and a host installed inside the first housing for controlling operation of the portable electronic apparatus. The portable electronic apparatus further includes a display module including a second housing, a second fixing device installed on the second housing for detachably connecting with the first fixing device in a tight fit manner, and a screen installed inside the second housing and electrically connected to the host for displaying images corresponding to image signals transmitted from the host. The portable electronic apparatus further includes a connecting component. A first end of the connecting component is connected to the first housing in a rotatable manner, and a second end of the connecting component is fixed to the second housing.

Abstract: A sign system includes an upper rail and a lower rail, or upper and lower rail with one or more intermediate rails each extending between laterally-spaced vertical supports. Each of the upper rail and lower rail have a longitudinal groove running substantially along the longitudinal lengths thereof. The longitudinal grooves of the upper and lower rails are confrontingly opposed and each has a central portion with a length and lateral sides and side portions extending along the lateral sides of the central portion such that inner sides of the side portions face the lateral sides of the central portion and external sides of the side portions face away from the lateral sides of the central portion. A face plate is releaseably connected to one of the upper and lower rails. The face plate defines an outer side of one of said side portions of said longitudinal groove of said one of said upper and lower rails when said removable face is connected to said one of said upper and lower rail.

Abstract: A combination gun rest and aiming brace being attachable to a tree or other vertical support member for use by hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts. The invention includes a generally rectangular, telescoping railing that is mechanically coupled to a tree engaging bracket. The bracket is provided with a supporting strap which encircles the tree or other support member and can be drawn tightly thereon by a ratcheting mechanism provided with the supporting strap to engage the tree. The railing is pivotally attached to the tree engaging bracket and movable from a position of use generally parallel to the ground surface to a position of non use being generally perpendicular to the ground surface. The present invention operates independently of any other apparatus and can be utilized when the user is seated on the ground adjacent to the tree or above the ground in a tree stand.

Abstract: A device for attracting fish includes a phosphorescent element for providing illumination of a fish habitat and a connecting means for connecting the element to a fixed base outside the fish habitat. The phosphorescent element can be positioned at any predetermined depth where it is desired to fish by varying the length of the connecting means.

Abstract: An arm support for use with an elongated item such as a fishing rod is disclosed herein. The arm support device includes an arm cradle that mounts above a handle of the elongated item. The arm cradle is adapted for supporting a person's forearm. The arm cradle can be pivoted relative to the handle to allow the arm cradle to stay in contact with the person's forearm as the person bends his or her wrist to change the lateral angle defined between the person's forearm and the elongated item.

Abstract: A fishing jig lure has a fish hook mounted on a glass body with an epoxy resin. Light emitting particulates mixed with the epoxy resin emit visible light when subjected to an external light source.

Abstract: The invention provides a mulch film that may be sprayed over soil or existing mulch in a plant bed or in crop rows. The sprayed-on mixture hardens into a continuous barrier that passes water but blocks light to suppress weed growth. The components of the mixture are environmentally safe and will not harm desirable plants around which it is sprayed. A preferred embodiment of the mixture comprises a binding agent, a wetting agent, a dispersing agent, a stabilizing agent and a filler material, where total solids preferably comprise about 40-60 percent by weight of the mixture. In one embodiment, the binding agent comprises an emulsion polymer, the wetting agent comprises an alkyl ethoxylate, the dispersing agent comprises a polymer-based polycarboxylate, the thickening agent comprises a hydrophobic-modified carboxymethyl cellulose, and the filler comprises powdered clay.

Abstract: A method for creating a verified food source comprises planting verified seed in accordance with planting protocols to create a crop, growing the crop in accordance with crop protocols, harvesting the crop in accordance with harvest protocols to obtain grain, storing the grain in accordance with storage protocols, inspecting the grain to identify grain that meets predetermined grain standards, verifying the grain that meets the predetermined grain standards, feeding the verified grain to a certified food source, fostering the food source in accordance with fostering protocols, inspecting the food source to identify food source that meets the fostering protocols, and verifying the food source that meets the fostering protocols.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for improving germination of manufactured seeds. In some embodiments, the methods comprise the steps of (a) incubating a plant somatic embryo under suitable conditions for reducing the size of the embryo to produce a compact plant somatic embryo and (b) assembling the compact plant somatic embryo of step (a) into a manufactured seed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plant growth system, comprising a root substrate formed by a number of essentially independent mineral wool elements and a top substrate, comprising an essentially unitary mineral wool element.

Abstract: The invented plant seedling pot includes an elongate hollow body including a base region and a base substantially sealing the base region of the hollow body. The hollow body preferably is slightly uniformly tapered upwardly and outwardly from the base and has a nominal height and width, the ratio between which is greater than approximately 2.5:1 and preferably approximately 3:1. The interior of the hollow body is dimensioned to contain a substantial portion of a plant seedling including a root ball and an elongate trunk. A preferably regular array of plural instances of the pot preferably are molded from an organic fiber mesh including, for example, coconut fiber and a binder.

Abstract: Reforming reactor for the conversion of a process fluid into hydrogen comprising: a reforming section which is contained within a closed volume, a boiler section and a combustion section, in which said reforming section contains one or more catalyst tubes filled with reforming catalyst, said boiler section is provided with one or more flow channels for the passage of flue gas from the combustion section and said combustion section is provided with at least one burner, wherein the heat exchanging medium required for the reforming of said process fluid in the one or more catalyst tubes is a gas-liquid mixture that self-circulates and is encapsulated inside said closed volume and wherein at least a portion of said closed volume protrudes inside said boiler section.

Abstract: Reforming reactor for the conversion of a process fluid into hydrogen comprising: a reforming section and a boiler section which are both contained within a common volume and a combustion section, in which said reforming section contains one or more catalyst tubes filled with reforming catalyst, said boiler section is provided with one or more tubes carrying flue gas from the combustion section and said combustion section is provided with at least one burner, wherein the heat exchanging medium required for the reforming of said process fluid in the one or more catalyst tubes is a gas-liquid mixture that self-circulates and is encapsulated inside said common volume containing said reforming and boiler sections.

Abstract: Reforming reactor for the conversion of a process fluid into hydrogen comprising: a reforming section and a boiler section which are both contained within a common volume and a combustion section, in which said reforming section contains one or more catalyst tubes filled with reforming catalyst, said boiler section is provided with one or more tubes carrying flue gas from the combustion section and said combustion section is provided with at least one burner, wherein the heat exchanging medium required for the reforming of said process fluid in the one or more catalyst tubes is a gas-liquid mixture that self-circulates and is encapsulated inside said common volume containing said reforming and boiler sections.

Abstract: Reforming reactor for the conversion of a process fluid into hydrogen comprising: a reforming section which is contained within a closed volume, a boiler section and a combustion section, in which said reforming section contains one or more catalyst tubes filled with reforming catalyst, said boiler section is provided with one or more flow channels for the passage of flue gas from the combustion section and said combustion section is provided with at least one burner, wherein the heat exchanging medium required for the reforming of said process fluid in the one or more catalyst tubes is a gas-liquid mixture that self-circulates and is encapsulated inside said closed volume and wherein at least a portion of said closed volume protrudes inside said boiler section.

Abstract: A system comprises a mixed reforming zone configured to receive a first fuel steam mixture and an oxidant to produce a first reformate stream comprising hydrogen. The system further comprises at least one steam-reforming zone configured to receive the first reformate stream, a first portion of steam and a second fuel to produce a second reformate stream comprising hydrogen. The first reformate stream is mixed with the first portion of steam and second fuel before entering the steam reforming zone.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved alkali metal catalyzed steam gasification process that utilizes a CO2 trap material and/or a mineral binder material within the gasifier. The process optimally achieves over 90% carbon conversion with over 80% yield of methane. The raw gas product can be used directly as fuel. The catalyst can be recovered from the solid purge and recycled to the gasifier and/or the CO2 trap can be regenerated and recycled to the gasifier.

Abstract: A window regulator for raising and lowering a window glass in a motor vehicle. The regulator includes at least one rail defining at least one track, at least one glass carrier for receiving the window glass and mounted for movement along the at least one track, at least one cable where the at least one cable is attached to the at least one glass carrier generally parallel to the at least one track, and a drive unit for operably engaging the at least one cable to move the at least one glass carrier along the at least one track. The cable attachment includes at least one aperture of the glass carrier for receiving an end of the at least one cable and at least one elongated aperture of the glass carrier for receiving a length of the at least one cable generally parallel to the at least one track. The glass carrier additionally includes a cushioned support member for supporting the lower edge of the window glass.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sliding door (10) comprising a guide (16, 18) for a door leaf (14) which is movable within said guide (16, 18) between an open position and a closed position, and a locking device that locks the door leaf (14) in the closed position by means of frictional engagement. The locking device is provided with driving means (42), force transmitting means (54) that cooperate with the driving means (42), locking elements (80), and movement transducers (58) which move the locking elements (80). The locking elements (80) are displaced from a free position that releases the door leaf (14) into a holding position which maintains the door leaf (14) in frictional engagement.

Abstract: A weather strip for a motor vehicle, capable of being readily attached to a flange with a low extensibility, and securely preventing noises from being transmitted via the flange. The weather strip includes a base portion for attachment to the flange, and a seal portion integrally formed with the base portion for sealing between an opening portion and a closing member. The base portion includes at least an outer side wall and a bottom wall, a double-sided adhesive tape is bonded to an interior surface of the outer side wall, and at least one part of the outer side wall and the bottom wall is composed of a hard material such as a hard rubber, which is harder than a material of the remaining part thereof, and a material exhibiting a low extensibility, such as a resin sheet, is stuck to or embedded in the outer side wall and/or the bottom wall.

Abstract: Proposed MID-devices comprise magnetic and electro-conductive means. High winds impacts or intermittent loads actuate a relative motion of the magnetic and electro-conductive means, inducing electric current within the latter, providing a damping of said impacts or loads, providing a heating usable for warming up homes, clothes (in gloves—by clapping hands), footwear (by a walking person), etc. Some embodiments include impact absorbing insertions (sometimes comprising spring-like materials, pneumatic chambers, or bladder-panels), disposed between or within the magnetic and electro-conductive means, and returning them toward their start position. Other embodiments deploy magnetic means facing each other with the same polarity, providing said returning. MID-devices combined with the pneumatic chambers or bladder-panels produce more efficient damping.

Abstract: The invention relates to inflatable structure(s) comprising large openings that are formed by construction elements that can be used to dimension a base module. The aforementioned module comprises means that can be used to increase the number of surfaces of same. According to the invention, some or all of the inner peripheries of the large openings may or may not be equipped with a band of fabric comprising fixing means which are used to fit accessories, netting, a sail, cords, handles, thereby enabling multiple applications.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in connecting an asset comprises one or more sheet members adapted to be located over an upper surface of an asset and secured between suitable anchors, preferably secured to the ground. In one disclosed embodiment the apparatus is modular and comprises a plurality of sheets releasably connected together via one or more interconnecting assemblies. In use, the apparatus deflects high winds around and over the asset, thus preventing or reducing damage caused by high wind loading.

Abstract: A riser formed from a plurality of curved cylindrical segments with vertical side edges having mating vertically tapered projections and slots brought into interlocking engagement to pull confronting surfaces together as the tapered elements become increasingly mechanically engaged. The segments are assembled by a sliding engagement of the protruding mating element of one segment into the vertically tapered slot of an adjacent segment. When sufficient segments are joined together horizontally to complete a ring except for a last adjacent pair of vertical side edges, the ring is warped to align the protruding mating element of the last adjacent pair of vertical side edges with an opposite end of the adjacent tapered slot. Thus aligned, the final protruding mating element and tapered slot are then slipped together while un-warping the joined segments forming the remainder of the ring until the top and bottom ends of all the segments are aligned.

Abstract: A sports arena theme restaurant which provides a central floor area surrounded by a plurality of tiers on at least one of which a concourse circumnavigates the central floor area to communicate with a kitchen and a plurality of stairways to provide a restaurant service pattern to seating areas established the plurality of tiers which allows restaurant patrons to view entertainment means from discrete levels above the central floor area.

Abstract: A lightweight, molded plastic canopy has a sloped or peaked roof and mounting flanges that enable the canopy to be attached to an exterior wall above a door. The canopy is configured so that several canopies can be nested together for display and shipment.

Abstract: A lateral force resistance device for a ground achoring system suitably used in expansive soils has an inner sleeve structure and an outer collar connected to the inner sleeve structure by a plurality of load transfer members such as longitudinal load transfer plates. The lateral force resistance device is embedded in the soil over a ground anchor, such as a helical anchor, by sliding the inner sleeve structure of the device over the top end of the anchor and using an embedment method involving vibration, pushing or other technique. The outer collar of the lateral force resistance device provides a relatively large surface area displaced from the inner sleeve structure for providing efficient load transfer to the surrounding soil.

Abstract: The invention concerns devices protecting a frangible object against high wind loads, described in several embodiments including cushioning means, performed as differently shaped chambers or bladder-panels, inflated by fluid, substantially compressed air, preferably enclosed into fence means, interconnected by connecting means, essentially hoses, positioned in front of and mostly attached to the outward object's surface, except where separated from the object's structure particularly protecting against vibrations caused by winds. The fence means, proposed in several combinations, preferably performed as flexible covers coupled with fence screens, protect against windborne debris. Multi-layer versions provide increased damping of wind loads and covering any part of the object's surface. Control means, controlling the damping, generally include sensor means, control valve connecting units, central control unit, regulating the fluid flow inside the cushioning means.

Abstract: A fort includes a defense, a top cover, and a plurality of shooting windows. The top cover is mounted on top of the defense. The top cover includes an inverted bowl-like top wall with an opening. The top cover further includes a peripheral wall extending along a periphery of the top wall. The peripheral wall includes a plurality of engaging holes. Each shooting window includes a plurality of engaging holes. A plurality of fasteners are extended through the engaging holes of each shooting window and the engaging holes of the top cover, thereby releasably mounting the shooting windows to the peripheral wall of the top cover. A safe fort that can be assembled/dismantled easily and rapidly is thus provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a panel which is used to produce a swimming pool. The inventive panel is obtained using a method involving the compression injection of a plastic material, in particular, a recycled plastic material. The panel is provided with an essentially flat or curved quadrangular shape which is perfectly rectilinear along all of the dimensions thereof. Moreover, at least one of the faces of said panel is provided with stiffening ribs (1a).

Abstract: A spiral staircase kit has only a few different components, including a plurality of step members with step surfaces, donut-shaped end sections and lower support members. The steps are mounted in offset fashion, through a vertically standing support post. Spacer sleeves separate each of the steps, whose lower support members are positioned against the vertical surfaces of the sleeves to maintain the steps in place without the need for nails, bolts, or other connection components. Proper stacking of the sleeves and steps produces a sturdy and safe staircase structure which includes an upper landing member and which also can be interconnected with a handrail of choice.

Abstract: A ridge ventilator for covering an open ridge of a roof while promoting ventilation of a space beneath the roof. The ridge ventilator has a sectional body having a first side and a second side, a number of partitions extending across said body between said sides, as well as a first end and a second end. The vent body has a width between said sides to permit said body to be laid over and cover an open ridge in a roof formed at the peak. The body also includes a recessed middle portion in a top face of the body, the recess being sized and shaped to accommodate roofing cap shingles. The body also includes opposed raised and curved, in side view, air foil side sections; which have a grill to permit air to pass therethrough between a space beneath said roof and the outside, the air foil side sections being sized and shaped to create, in a wind passing over the air foil sections, a low pressure adjacent to the grill to facilitate drawing air out of the space.

Abstract: Channel members for mounting a storm panel over glass windows and doors are incorporated within the window and door trim members, headed bolts being contained within the channels by the bolt heads with their shanks extending through an open slot of the channel member and extending through apertures located at the upper and lower ends of a storm panel for mounting the panel in place. Nuts or the like are threaded over the threaded bolt shanks for securing the storm panel to the trim members.

Abstract: A stabilized window structure includes a window frame, a shattered window pane disposed in the window frame, and a layer of unifying material bonded to the window pane to form a cohesive mass removable from the frame as one or more integral and unitary pieces. A method of stabilizing and removing a shattered window pane from a window frame includes the steps of applying a layer of unifying material to an exterior surface and/or an interior surface of the shattered window pane, bonding the layer of unifying material to the window pane to form a cohesive mass therewith, and removing the cohesive mass from the window frame as one or more integral and unitary pieces.

Abstract: A decorative lattice that simulates the look and feel of decorative ironwork by combining carving techniques and coating techniques is described. The decorative latticework is made of a sheet material such as a composite wood/fiber board material. The decorative lattice is suitable for a mass customization manufacturing processes.

Abstract: A decorative corner moulding and guard for protecting an edge of intersecting surfaces including a pair of elongated segments joined at an angle, each of the joined segments having an inner surface and an outer surface. Each inner surface is substantially flat to contact one of the intersecting surfaces. Each outer surface is contiguous. A decorative pattern is formed on the contiguous outer surface of the segments, such that the pattern wraps around the outer surface corner formed by the segments.

Abstract: A main decking panel for a structural decking system that includes a plurality of the main decking panels is disclosed. The main decking panel includes a base component that includes a central pan (7) and lap joints (9) on each side of the pan to enable adjacent main decking panels to be positioned side by side in overlapping relationship. The main decking panel also includes a strengthening component in the form of an inverted channel member secured to the base component. The channel member includes two oppoesd side walls (11) formed from web components and a top (13) formed from a chord component. The web and top chord components are manufactured as separate components and thereafter assembled together to form the channel member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sound rated floor system for inhibiting sound transmission between floors. The system includes a corrugated steel deck; a first layer of cementitious material or board or sheet applied over the corrugated steel deck; a sound insulation mat or board applied over the first layer; a second layer of cementitious material applied over the sound insulation mat or board. The floor system has an IIC rating of at least 25 and the corrugated steel deck provides at least 50 percent of the ultimate load carrying capacity under static and impact loading of the floor system with a floor deflection of at most 1/360 of the floor span.

Abstract: The method of bonding concrete to a metal substrate eliminates the additional costs in time and labor involved in providing a mechanical bond between concrete and metal surfaces (e.g., construction steel). The method involves the use of an adhesive bonding agent applied between the concrete and metal components that cures to bond the two components together. The method may be used to form a laminar composite deck formed by a concrete slab bonded to a metal deck, a composite joint formed by bonding a concrete slab to a metal beam or joist, and other composite structures.

Abstract: A patio-style roof system and method. The roof system utilizes a trusses, to which are coupled a plurality of louver panels. To facilitate such coupling, the trusses may have notched louver panel supports, to which the louver panels may be attached in a preferably tools-free manner. The trusses may be coupled to a structure utilizing upper and lower truss attachment brackets.