Abstract: Footwear systems include: (a) a holding device having an opening; (b) an article of footwear having a sole with a projection that extends through the opening; and (c) another article of footwear having a sole with a cavity into which the projection extends (thereby sandwiching the holding device between the soles). In other systems, the sole of one article of footwear includes two raised areas that fit through two openings provided in a holding device. The two raised areas fit into recessed areas provided adjacent a raised area of another footwear sole (thereby sandwiching the holding device between the soles). The projection(s) and/or raised area(s) on one sole may be sized and constructed so as to tightly fit (e.g., a friction fit) into corresponding cavity(ies) and/or recessed area(s) provided on the other sole, to thereby detachably hold the soles together and/or detachably engage with the holding device.

Abstract: A footwear sole for providing firmness and support to the lateral edge of a person's foot. The footwear sole includes a plurality of layers of material including a first layer of material having a definite thickness and also including a second layer of material also having a definite thickness with the second layer of material being softer than the first layer of material.

Abstract: A one-pass bucket for digging a ditch by moving the bucket with its curved end down longitudinally of the proposed ditch, wherein the bucket includes a top wall, a bottom wall, a rear wall and a side wall diverging forwardly from the rear wall to an open front end of the bucket, the side wall being planar and defining a sharp acutely-angled corner with the bottom wall, the curved end wall, opposite the first side wall, extends convexly from the bottom wall to said top end at a forward edge thereof, and extending substantially diagonally upwardly therefrom at a rearward edge so that the forward edge of the curved end wall curves upwardly towards the plane of the top wall so as to intersect it non-tangentially and the rearward edge extends diagonally to intersect the plane of the top wall whereby a round bottom ditch is formed by rotating said curved end wall downwardly relative to the acutely angled corner and dragging the curved end wall through the soil longitudinally of the proposed ditch in a single pass.

Abstract: An electric iron including a housing; a soleplate connected to the housing; a heater for heating the soleplate; a fluid holding system connected to the housing, the fluid holding system including a first fluid reservoir; and a second water only reservoir connected to the soleplate; and a fluid dispensing system for dispensing fluid from the first reservoir and for dispensing water from the second reservoir. The fluid dispensing system includes a spray nozzle connected to the housing and a pump connecting the first reservoir to the spray nozzle. The fluid dispensing system is adapted to dispense fluid from the first reservoir only through the spray nozzle and only without addition of water from the second reservoir.

Abstract: Display panels made at least partially of stretch fabric are disclosed. Different ways of mounting these display panels onto supporting structures such as folding frames are disclosed. The display panels can be used indoors and outdoors. The versatility of the display panels makes them an excellent display media for trade shows and temporary exhibitions.

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

Abstract: Firearms, grips for firearms and methods of using the same are disclosed. An example grip includes an exterior grip defining an inner bore; a slider located within the bore for axial movement relative to the exterior grip, the slider having a projection to selectively detachably engage the at least one transverse slot of the rail; and a screw rotatably mounted within the exterior grip. The screw threadingly engages the slider to axially move the slider into and/or out of engagement with the rail, but the screw is substantially secured against axial movement relative to the exterior grip.

Abstract: A dynamic process for increasing the wear life of ferrous articles subjected to a high-temperature environment created by combustion of a propellant or fuel comprises selecting the propellant or fuel so that its combustion products include relatively large amounts of nitrogen, which nitrogen forms a protective nitride layer on the surface of the ferrous article. Disclosed is a specific embodiment of the invention for prolonging the wear life of gun barrels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided relating to the use of fishing accessories attached to a fishing rod or reel. A fishing accessory, such as a fish hook retainer, can be attached to a fishing rod using a device with a shape suitable to be clamped between the mounting flange of a fishing reel and a fishing rod and/or reel clamp of the fishing rod. A fish hook retainer includes a pocket for retaining a fish hook, while protecting the point and barb of the hook from exposure.

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

Abstract: A plant package comprising a pot covered with a plant cover, the plant cover at least comprising a base portion, and optionally having a skirt or a detachable upper portion. The plant cover has a heat shrinkable bonding material for heat shrinking to secure the plant cover about the pot.

Abstract: Locking balance shoes and balance systems to be incorporated in pivotable double hung windows include, in one embodiment, a pair of retractable tabs that partially extend through openings within an inverted window balance. In one embodiment of the method of installing such a system, an elongated end of the balance shoe is inserted into a window jamb and then rotated into position.

Abstract: A power slide device includes a first cable connected to a wire drum and moving in a first direction when wound up by the wire drum, a second cable connected to the wire drum and moving in a second direction when wound up by the wire drum, a first tension roller having a first abutting surface abutting against the first cable, and a second tension roller having a second abutting surface abutting against the second cable. The first abutting surface is taken as an inclined surface becoming gradually shorter in diameter toward the first direction, and the second abutting surface is taken as an inclined surface becoming gradually shorter in diameter toward the second direction.

Abstract: An elongated strip of extruded plastic or roll formed metal material includes a rear securing fifth plane that inserts beneath a roofing membrane of a building structure. The rear plane integrally connects to a forward extending perforated fourth plane by means of a u shaped channel, one of two u shaped channels, which additionally serve to receive and secure a lateral edge of a filtration membrane. The perforated fourth plane contains intrinsic and intersecting vertical water directing planes that extend above and beneath the surface of the fourth plane and which serve to support and contact an overlying insertable filtration membrane. The fourth plane connects to a forward extending third plane by means of a u shaped channel that serves to receive and secure a lateral edge of a filtration membrane. The third plane connects to a second plane by means of a downward extending u shaped channel.

Abstract: An assembled type screen includes screen boards, locating elements secured to vertical edges of the screen boards, and several elongate connecting members connected to the vertical edge portions of the screen boards; the locating elements are outwardly folded at the edges to form detaining portions; the elongate connecting members have at least one pair of opposing lateral walls, which define a lengthwise extending holding room, and an opening between them; each elongate member has a pair of hooked portions on two sides of each of the opening; the vertical edges of the screen boards are passed into respective holding rooms of the elongate members with the detaining edges of the locating elements snapping onto the hooked portions of the elongate members to stop the screen boards from separating from the elongate connecting members.

Abstract: An internal drainage system for a conservatory roof which allows a conservatory to be used as dry living space. Condensation is channeled internally through the eaves beam and the supporting posts or mullions to an outlet outside of the conservatory. The condensed water is thus contained and prevented from adversely affecting the internal space of the conservatory.

Abstract: A floor frame for a transportable manufactured home includes spaced apart perimeter frame members having a vertical wall and two horizontal walls extending therefrom. A plurality of floor joists extend between the spaced apart perimeter frame members and have notched ends configured to each receive a portion of one perimeter frame member. An arrangement for coupling a transport structure to the floor frame is also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular safety unit having a skid resistant surface for use in a location where it is desirable to add a skid resistant surface for traction comprising a base made of resin, the base having a top side and a bottom side; an aggregate made from calcined bauxite, and wherein the aggregate is attached to the top side of the base; and an adhesive having a top side and a bottom side wherein the top side is attached to the bottom side of the base and wherein the adhesive bottom side may be selectively attached to a location where it is desirable to add traction.

Abstract: A telescoping pier foundation system (100, 100a, 100b) comprises generally an outer shell preferably made of a tough material, such as, a suitable polymer or a metal alloy, having an internal cavity (12) for receiving cementitious mixture. The outer shell comprises a stationary portion (10) and at least one longitudinally telescoping member (30) in longitudinal alignment with one another and connected to one another to achieve a given height, length or depth for forming a pier foundation. After the at least one telescoping member (30) is raised to meet a structural member (80, 80a) of a building and secured to the structural member, the internal cavity (12) of the outer shell is filled with cementitious mixture and cured to form a composite pier foundation.

Abstract: A batten (100) for mounting cladding sheets to a wall or frame, said batten comprising an elongate channel member having a pair of spaced apart side walls (120, 140) joined by an intermediate web (110), and a corresponding pair of mounting flanges (124, 145) spaced outwardly from the web (110) and extending laterally from the side walls (120, 140), adapted for connection to the cladding sheets (300), and the batten (100) being configured such that stress applied to the cladding sheets (300) in use results in preferential deformation of the batten.

Abstract: The modular construction blocks include a preform having a plurality of passageways therethrough. The preforms may by formed from a plastic material and filled with concrete and steel reinforcing bars to form footings, foundations, girders, walls, and roofs. The modular construction blocks generally include a 5-hole block which has five holes or passageways extending therethrough and a 2-hole block which has two holes or passageways extending therethrough. The 5-hole blocks include the plurality of passageways intersecting and extending along three different planes. Kits, building structures, furring strips, and methods for forming building structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for reinforced concrete construction, which relates the bar mat with the molding panels so as to obtain a rigid assembly capable of resisting the pressure of the placed concrete. The system integrates concrete's reinforcement and formwork, thereby making a rigid reinforcement web permitting direct attachment of the molding panels on it, holding them from the inside and avoiding the heavy external structure commonly used to stiffen the forms. This rigid assembly may be obtained by welded joints in the reinforcement web, and, or, using specially designed bar support devices such as tie and spacer units, intended to set in place both reinforcement and sheathing. Thus, the embodiment of the proposed system requires a method of assembly, which considers a combination of standard and invented elements. The latter are reinforcement welded mats and joists, and elements as ties, spacers, washer plates and sleeves for interlocking the bar mat and the molding panels together.

Abstract: A partially prefabricated column. The column has vented support pans and vertical ribs internally. Skin attaches to the vertical ribs. Rods secure to the bottom of the column and a concrete form is removably secured to the rods. Air gaps at the top and bottom of the column allow for air circulation through the column. A top attaches over the upper end of the column. A central tube is secured to the column via the support pans and is telescopically received within a receiver tube concreted into the ground. The column gently descends to the ground as the central tube inserts into the receiver tube. Concrete is then poured into the concrete form and the concrete troweled between a notched plastic angle member on the bottom of the column and the concrete form. The concrete cures, the form is removed and the ends of the rods are plugged.

Abstract: A machine for wrapping groups of products (7) in tubular lengths of stretch film (4) comprises a rotating carousel (1) equipped with a plurality of wrapping units (2) having bars (3) for holding and stretching to size a succession of tubular film lengths (4) fed to a station (S1) and for placing the stretched tubular film lengths (4) around respective groups of products (7) to be wrapped fed one after the other.

Abstract: A vertical form fill and seal continuous pouch machine includes a forming tube having a cross section area of CA is disclosed. A film tube is continuously formed about the forming tube and fed downward. A horizontal sealing assembly includes at least one pair of opposing sealing bars that make horizontal seals on the film, thereby forming pouches. The horizontal seals are formed in a horizontal sealing zone, and the vertical distance from a lower end of the forming tube to the center of the horizontal sealing zone is a transition distance that is (in inches) preferably no more than 0.5 multiplied by the cross-section area (in sq. inches).

Abstract: A device for making it possible to apply to a pack, moved along a conveyor, a handle (n) of nominal length L situated at the end of a tape. The tape includes a succession of handles (n+i), each handle comprising two adhesive ends and a central part. The device includes a feeder to move the tape as far as a rotary application arm having a length which is equal to the nominal length L. This arm is able to deposit one adhesive end of the handle n on one face of the pack and then the second end of the handle n on a second face of the pack. The device further includes an optical cell for detecting an offset in the position of a handle n+i, an actuator for elongating the length of the rotary arm beyond the nominal length L, making it possible during a rotation of this arm to draw a portion of tape having a length greater than the nominal length, and a control unit.

Abstract: Method for providing a heat treated filled and closed can, including the consecutive steps of: filling a metal cup, closing the metal cup with a lid making a gas tight heat treatable can, heat treating the can, wherein measures are taken to achieve an under-pressure in the can after closing the cup and wherein the can is chosen that is either of a flexible type on the one hand or of a rigid type with increased strength provided with a seal on lid on the other hand. The measures comprise a step belonging to the group of steps consisting of: using a partly frozen filling; having the filling include constituents that interact after closing so as to lower the specific volume of the filling in the can; adding steam to the cup after filling and before closing; closing the cup under sub-atmospheric pressure; and partly evacuating the can after closing.

Abstract: A pattern former for assembling wrapped bakery products into predetermined patterns includes a vacuum turntable. A first transfer apparatus moves groups of wrapped bakery products onto the vacuum turntable and a second transfer apparatus moves assembled patterns of wrapped bakery products from the vacuum turntable into bakery trays. A bakery tray loading system receives unfilled bakery trays and sequentially delivers unfilled bakery trays to a bakery tray loading station adjacent to the vacuum turntable. A conveyor assembly within the bakery tray loading station supports the bakery tray while being filled and thereafter conveys the loaded bakery tray onto an out-feed conveyor for further processing.

Abstract: An enclosure for shipping an article capable of releasing a combination of gas and particulates. The enclosure comprises a material of construction, such as spun bold polyolefin, adapted to allow escape of the gas from the enclosure while retaining the particulates. The enclosure, which is sized to contain the article, has no breaches capable of allowing escape of the particulates, except for an opening at the top end. The opening is adapted to be sealed in a closed configuration, which may comprise one or more pinch lines, that prevents escape of the particulates. In one embodiment the enclosure may be in the form of an envelope having adhesive on a front face and a back face thereof to facilitate securing the top of the envelope after folding along a plurality of pinch lines. The enclosure may be particularly useful in a method for shipping a currency anti-theft device.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing a filament tow in a stationary can. To this end, the filament tow is conveyed to the can by a conveyance means which includes a pair of driven reels. For deposition into the can, the filament tow is guided in such a way that the feed position of the filament tow in the can constantly changes. To allow the filament tow to be deposited with a high filling density, for deposition into the can the filament tow is guided by two separate oscillating motions of the conveyance means during conveying which are transverse to the conveyance direction. In this manner, undesired reactions on the filament tow are advantageously avoided during deposition.

Abstract: An exercise saddle tree and method of construction that utilizes the inherent strength characteristics, defined by wood grain, growth rings, and wood type, of natural wood to create a stronger, low-weight saddle tree design. In addition, the present invention alters a standard saddle tree design and form to distribute the concussive force of horse and rider in a more uniform manner across the structure of the saddle tree.

Abstract: In an agricultural combine, a header terrain following system using a floating header having a frame, a support member supporting the frame from the ground, and a suspension variably supporting the frame from a feederhouse moveably attaching at the front of the combine. A lift cylinder supports and articulates the feederhouse from the combine, and a lift valve connects the lift cylinder to a main hydraulic circuit. A position sensor adapted to sense vertical position of the frame relative to the feederhouse attaches to the floating header. A controller communicates with the lift valve and the position sensor. The controller maintains vertical position of the frame relative to the feederhouse at a nominal value by continuously reading the position sensor and commanding the lift valve to add or subtract hydraulic fluid in the lift cylinder until position reads at the nominal value.

Abstract: In a control system of a lawn mower having an internal combustion engine controlled to a desired engine speed by a throttle actuator, a blade connected to the engine to be driven to cut grass, an engine output is estimated based on a detected throttle position and the desired engine speed, and when the estimated engine output exceeds a prescribed value, the grass bag is determined to be full of cut grass. With this, a full grass bag can be detected and the operator informed without providing a dedicated sensor.

Abstract: A walk reel mower includes a pair of inclined rigid links for mounting the reel cutting unit to the reel mower frame for rolling about a longitudinal axis, and a pair of vertical support arms for mounting the reel cutting unit to the reel mower frame for pitching about a transverse axis. An integrated gearbox houses both the traction and reel drives, including the differential that is part of the traction drive, as well as a parking brake. A flexible drive shaft powers the cutting reel from the gearbox and is made from materials that do not require petroleum based lubricants to avoid the possibility of damage to the turf or grass. A single control handle located on the handle of the mower actuates both the reel and traction drives. The reel cutting unit includes a back plate which has a portion formed as a hollow beam for strength.

Abstract: An elevator rope comprising an elastomer coated, multistrand steel wire cable is claimed. In such a cable strands have a lay-length of at least 6.5 times the diameter of the bare cable diameter D. The cable is further coated with an elastomeric jacket, which adheres to the strands with a pull-out force not less than 15×D+15 newton per mm. The advantages of such an elevator rope are amongst others its limited elongation, its reduced diameter and its improved fatigue life.

Abstract: The band relating to the present invention includes a first block, a second block, and a connector. The first connector has a concavity and first and second through-holes disposed on both sides of the concavity. The second block as a convexity that interlocks with the concavity and that has a third through-hole. The connector is inserted through the first, second, and third through-holes. The connector has a first linear part, a second linear part, and a folded portion that connects the first and second linear parts. The first linear part has a first rectilinear part extending from the folded portion and separated from the second linear part in a free state, a first protrusion extending from the first rectilinear part and protruding away from the second linear part, and a first end extending from the proximal end of the first protrusion away from the folded portion.

Abstract: An oxygen fired power generation system is disclosed. The power generation system has a high pressure combustor having a water recycle temperature control subassembly, and an intermediate pressure combustor having a CO2 recycle temperature control subassembly. Thus, a first energy cycle utilizes a first energy source operatively associated with a corresponding first heat sink, and a first inert agent to provide energy transfer therebetween and temperature control during operation of the first energy source. In like fashion, a second energy cycle utilizes a second energy source operatively associated with a corresponding second heat sink, and a second inert agent to provide energy transfer therebetween and temperature control during operation of the second energy source. The first and second energy sources are not identical, the first and second heat sinks are not identical and the first and second inert agents are not identical.

Abstract: A turbine inlet temperature operating section (15) determines the turbine inlet temperature T4 based on the flow rate Gf and temperature Tf of fuel being supplied to a combustor (3) and the flow rate G3 and temperature T3 of air. Based on the turbine inlet temperature T4, a pilot ratio operating section (16) sets a pilot ratio, and a bypass valve operating section (17) and an IGV opening operating section (18) generate a bypass valve control signal and an IGV control signal, respectively.

Abstract: A control system for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of reducing exhaust emissions during and after the start of the engine. A control system is capable of changing the valve-closing timing of intake valves relative to the valve-opening timing thereof as desired using a variable intake valve actuation assembly. The control system includes an ECU. The ECU sets a target auxiliary intake cam phase to a start value that sets the valve-closing timing of the intake valves to retarded-closing timing, during starting of the engine, and to a catalyst warmup value that sets the same to timing closer to timing in the Otto cycle operation, during catalyst warmup control after the start of the engine.

Abstract: In an exhaust gas purifying system (b 1) that purifies NOx for the exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine (E) through sulfur purging control by a NOx occlusion reduction type catalyst (41), sulfur purging is judged to have started when the oxygen concentration (Co) detected by an oxygen concentration detector (54) disposed downstream of the NOx occlusion reduction type catalyst (41) drops from a first predetermined oxygen concentration indicating that the NOx discharge condition to a second predetermined oxygen concentration indicating that NOx discharge has ended and that Sox discharge has started. Accordingly, during sulfur purging control by the NOx occlusion reduction type catalyst (41), consideration is given to the discharge of NOx without sulfur purging at the start of sulfur purging control; furthermore, this timing is judged by monitoring the concentration of oxygen downstream of the NOx occlusion reduction type catalyst (41), thus optimizing sulfur purging control.

Abstract: Engine systems and methods for accomplishing regeneration of a NOx adsorber (28) using in-cylinder post-injection in a way that creates a lean-rich transition (FIG. 3) for regenerating the NOx adsorber while attenuating engine torque output fluctuations during the transition without the necessity of using torque sensing to attenuate the fluctuations.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for controlling gas flow into a combustion engine exhaust gas filter e.g., to control filter temperatures during filter regeneration, comprising providing a fluidic exhaust stream diverter proximate to and centrally of the inlet face of the filter and activating the fluidic diverter to divert exhaust gas flow away from central filter portions toward peripheral filter portions.

Abstract: The system includes a hydraulic powered actuator. A pump system having first and second hydraulic lines is coupled to the first and second ports, respectively and is capable of providing hydraulic fluid to either the first and second lines. First and second pressure sensors are coupled to the first and second lines, respectively. A third line is coupled between the first and second lines and includes first and second valves mounted in series therein. Preferably, the first and second valves are capable of latching in the open position. A reservoir is coupled to the third line between the first and second valves. A shut off valve is included for cutting off the flow from the reservoir.

Abstract: A hydrostatic stepless transmission comprises a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor, at least one of the hydraulic pump and motor being variable in displacement; a closed circuit for fluidly connecting the hydraulic pump and motor to each other therethrough, the closed circuit including a pair of oil passages between the hydraulic pump and motor, one of the oil passages being hydraulically higher-pressured and the other being hydraulically depressed when the hydraulic pump delivers oil to the hydraulic motor; a speed change operation device for changing output rotational speed of the hydraulic motor; and a leak valve connected to the speed change operation device.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for providing a device for delivering lubricant (10a, 10b) to at least one lubrication point (17) and which includes a reservoir (9) for lubricant (10a, 10b) connected to the lubrication point (17) via a valve arrangement (16). The device includes a controller of the valve arrangement (16), depending on the pressure in an hydraulic circuit (26) connected to the device. The invention provides an improved device for the efficient delivery of lubricant to a lubrication point.

Abstract: A Stirling engine includes at least a first cylinder and a second cylinder arranged in serial, and a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a radiator, a regenerator, and a heater. At least a part of the heat exchanger is formed in a curved shape so as to connect between the first cylinder and the second cylinder. The heater is formed in a curved shape so as to connect between the first cylinder and the second cylinder. The radiator and the regenerator are linearly formed along the direction of extension of the cylinder.

Abstract: A generating facility is provided for generating electricity from both solar and non-solar energy sources. The solar generating portion of the facility includes capability to directly generate electricity from solar insolation, or to store the solar energy in a tangible medium, including stored heat, or solar generating fuel. The generating facility is configured to generate electricity simultaneously from both solar and non-solar sources, as well a solely from immediate solar insolation and from solar energy stored in a tangible medium. Additionally, the solar generating capacity may be segregated; such that separate spectra of solar insolation are used to capture heat for steam turbine based electrical generation, capture light energy for photovoltaic based electrical generation, and to grow biomass to generate a solar fuel.

Abstract: A gas turbine by-pass system is used between a gas turbine generator outlet nozzle and the inlet of a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG). The system allows operators to divert gasses from the HRSG in combined cycle mode to a silencer assembly to operate in simple cycle mode. The system thereby allows maintenance to be performed to the HRSG by crew of human workers without danger of an encounter with hot lethal gasses. The system includes a monorail and a series of hoists which operators use to position a blank off plate and an expansion joint as necessary with respect to the HRSG and diverter box. Consequently, the system provides for safe operation of a gas turbine in both combined cycle mode and simple cycle mode.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus for cooling an optical element provided in a vacuum atmosphere includes a radiational cooling part, arranged apart from the optical element, for cooling the optical element by radiation heat transfer, and a controller for controlling temperature of the radiation cooling part.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved means of quickly warming a pulse tube (165) by shifting the phase relation of flow to the warm end of the pulse tube relative to flow to the warm end (117) of the pulse tube relative to flow to the warm end of the regenerator (160) using a “four valve” concept and the “active buffer” concept. Several different pulse tube configurations and valve timing relations that are effective at reversing the cycle from the normal mode, which produces cooling at the pulse tube heat station, to a reverse mode that produces heating are disclosed.