Abstract: A solution spinning process for the production of a textile fiber with permanent repellent action includes the steps of preparing a spinnable polymer component and an ambivalent polymer compound which contains a repelling group and a residual group with an affinity for the spinnable polymer component, mixing the ambivalent polymer compound with the spinnable polymer component in a solvent, and spinning the mixture into a fiber, wherein the repelling groups orient themselves in the direction of the surface of the forming fiber and migrate to the surface, while the affine residual groups anchor the ambivalent polymer compound in the spinnable polymer compound as the solvent is driven off.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for making a film comprises: heating thermoplastic to above a glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic; passing heated thermoplastic through a die and onto a polished calendaring roll and a resilient calendaring roll, and passing the heated thermoplastic between the polished calendaring roll and the resilient calendaring roll to form the film. The resilient calendaring roll has an average roll surface roughness of about 0.5 ?m to about 0.9 ?m. A nip pressure between the calendaring rolls is about 100 kPa to about 2,000 kPa. The film has an average film surface roughness of about 0.5 ?m to about 0.9 ?m, a gloss of less than or equal to about 10, an average stress of less than or equal to about 60 nm, and a stress spread of less than or equal to about 50.

Abstract: A process is provided for continuously embossing a pattern onto a surface of a flowable melt and cooling the flowable melt to provide an embossed film. In one embodiment, the process includes heating a resin to form a flowable melt; discharging the melt into a first nip, an area between an embossing roll and a backside roll; pressing the melt against the embossing roll and the backside roll; and forming a self-supporting film with a surface having an embossed pattern thereon. In one embodiment, the embossing roll is maintained at a temperature greater than the glass transition temperature of the resin material whereas the backside roll is maintained at a temperature less than the glass transition temperature of the resin. In one embodiment, the invention provides an embossed film frangibly fused to a carrier film. In another embodiment, the invention provides an embossed film affixed to a backing film.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a composite shoe insole includes a) placing EVA material having at least one bonding zone into a die, b) applying a PU film around a peripheral wall of the bonding zone of the EVA material, c) heating the EVA material, d) placing PU material at a liquid state into the bonding zone, e) solidifying the PU material so that the PU material is combined with the bonding zone to form a shoe insole, and f) stripping the shoe insole from the die to remove the shoe insole. Thus, the composite shoe insole closely combine the EVA material with the PU material, so that the composite shoe insole has a lighter weight by the EVA material and has a soft elastic feature by the PU material.

Abstract: A method for producing a metal oxide nanostructure or an organic/metal oxide composite nanostructure of forming a mold on a solid base by a lithographic method, forming a metal oxide thin film or an organic/metal composite thin films on the mold, and then removing the mold is disclosed. With this method, three-dimensional nanostructures can be mass-produced at a low cost.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embossing drums, systems, methods for their use and their maintenance, and films made using the drums. In one embodiment, an embossing drum system can comprise: a mandrel, a primary journal extending from a first end of the mandrel, a secondary journal extending from a second end of the journal, and a seamless sleeve disposed around the mandrel to form a drum. The sleeve comprises a pattern cut into a sleeve outer surface. In one embodiment, a method of making optical films, comprises: introducing a polymer to an embossing drum system, forming the pattern into a surface of the polymer to produce a film, and removing the film from the drum. The embossing drum system comprises a drum with a pattern cut into a drum outer surface. The film has a continuous, seamless pattern having a length that is greater than the drum circumference.

Abstract: When an elongate glove, such as a nitrile glove for a glove box, is made on a porcelain mold having a hand-defining portion, having an arm-defining portion, which extends from the hand-defining portion and which has an overall length at least two or more times the overall length of the hand-defining portion, having a substantially conical sub-portion, which flares upwardly and outwardly, when the porcelain mold is oriented in a dipping orientation, substantially the entire exterior of the porcelain mold is sandblasted before the porcelain mold is dipped successively into a bath containing a coagulating agent and into a bath containing a latex, then allowed to dwell in the bath containing the latex until enough of the latex coagulates to form a wet latex film on the porcelain mold, and then withdrawn with the wet latex film formed thereon from the bath containing the latex.

Abstract: A method for spreading a conformable material between a substrate and a template having a mold. The method comprises positioning the mold to be in superimposition with the substrate defining a volume therebetween. A first sub-portion of the volume is charged with the conformable material through capillary action between the conformable material and one of the mold and the substrate. A second sub-portion of the volume is filled with the conformable material by creating a deformation in the mold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a molded elastomer are provided. The method includes providing an elastic fiber foam; disposing the elastic fiber foam between a first upper mold and a first lower mold; pressing the elastic fiber foam by the first upper mold and the first lower mold; and applying a first air flow with a temperature higher than that of the ambient atmosphere to the elastic fiber foam, thereby the molded elastomer transferred from the elastic fiber foam is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of reforming an upper portion of a blow molded plastic container. The method comprising the steps of directing energy from a non-contact heater onto the upper portion to soften the upper portion, and compressing the upper portion between at least a first forming tool and a second forming tool to reform the upper portion. A plastic container, as well as an apparatus for reforming an upper portion of a blow molded plastic container, are also disclosed.

Abstract: With a tire vulcanizing system, a transfer device (4) for receiving a vulcanized tire K from a vulcanizer (1), and transferring the same to a post-cure inflator (2) to be delivered to a rim (21) of the post-cure inflator (2) is provided with a pair of gripper fingers (19A, 19B) for rotatably gripping the vulcanized tire K. The transfer device (4) holds the vulcanized tire K with the pair of gripper fingers (19A, 19B), and transfers the vulcanized tire K to the top of the rim, thereby rotating the same to a position where a rim-fitting peak value of the rim coincides with an RFV peak value of the vulcanized tire to be then placed on top of the rim before executing processing in the post-cure inflator (2).

Abstract: A clamping unit, particularly for an injection molding machine, includes at least one moving platen which is moveably arranged on a frame element. At least one hydrostatic support is provided in an area between the platen and the frame element for facilitating back and forth displacement of the moving platen to thereby avoid speed-dependent friction values. Operation of the clamping unit is realized by building up pressure in a hydrostatic support before the moving platen is initiated for displacement so that the moving plate is slightly raises platen in relation to the frame element. After displacement of the moving platen, the pressure in the hydrostatic support is decreased again.

Abstract: A mold for manufacturing a simulated stone product includes a flexible layer that defines a mold cavity section in the shape of the simulated stone product to be formed. The flexible layer also has a support section surrounding the mold cavity section. The support section is configured to substantially resist flexing during unmolding of the simulated stone product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for separating a mold from solidified imprinting material that includes creating deformation in the template in which the mold is included. The deformation is sufficient to create a returning force that is greater than an adhesion forced between the solidified imprinting material and the mold. For example, the deformation may result from a pressure differential created between the mold and a side of the template disposed opposite to the mold. In this manner, the distortion may be undulations in the template of sufficient magnitude to contact a substrate upon which the solidified imprinting material is disposed.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for removing finished articles from a powder-based rapid prototyping system. In particular, the invention relates to extracting a printed article from a powder bed in a build chamber of a three-dimensional printer by using a mechanism adapted for displacing the article by at least one of pushing the article at least partially out of the powder bed, pulling the article at least partially out of the powder bed, or changing a boundary of the build chamber to move at least a portion of the unbound powder away from the article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of cleaning microstructured molds and methods of making microstructures (e.g. barrier ribs).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a powder which comprises specific polyesters for shaping processes, and to moldings produced powder. The shaping processes are layer-by-layer processes which use powder, which comprises selectively melting regions of a powder layer by applying electromagnetic energy. Selectivity can although there is no intention to restrict the invention thereto be achieved via a mask, or application of an inhibitor, of an absorber or of a susceptor, or via focusing of the energy input. After cooling, the regions then solidified can be removed as moldings from the powder bed. The process occurs by using a polyester powder obtained from an alcohol and from a diacid with no use of any aromatic monomer unit. These polyester powders combine high crystallinity and low melting point, and makes the construction process more reliable while good component quality, mechanical properties, density, dimensional accuracy, and low shrinkage are realized.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a manufacturing method of a honeycomb structural body which makes the profile of a cross section perpendicular to the length direction thereof less likely to generate dispersion, and also makes the thickness of its sealing material layer thinner, and a sealing material that is suitably used in the manufacturing method of the honeycomb structural body.

Abstract: A vascular filter guide wire including a collapsible filter that deploys radially in response to axial movement of a core wire relative to a shaft to trap particulate matter arising from treatment of a lesion.

Abstract: A fully automated system and method for rapidly and reliably detecting the ingestion of slag within the tip of a metal making lance. The system utilizes a temperature sensor disposed adjacent to the inner surface of the inner wall of a metal making lance tip. The sensor is in communication with a control station. The control station is preferably in operative communication with a valve for shutting off gas flow to the lance and, optionally, at least one alarm, a coolant fluid shut-off valve, and any other lance operation mechanisms as may be desired or necessary when slag is detected by the sensor. The inner wall of the lance tip is also preferably formed with a slag collecting reservoir for collecting ingested slag and directing it toward the temperature sensor for quick and reliable slag detection.

Abstract: An air spring and damper assembly includes a damper having an internal fluid pressure of approximately 175 psi or greater, and an air spring supported on the damper. The air spring and damper assembly can be used as components in a vehicle suspension system. The air spring and damper assembly can also be used as components of a kit.

Abstract: A microphone isolation system. The system includes an isolation member, a support member, and at least two compliant members. The at least two compliant members mechanically support the isolation member and isolate the isolation member from vibrations. The at least two compliant members can also isolate the support member from any vibratory excitation source coupled to and/or supported by the isolation member.

Abstract: A sheet bundle stored in a sheet storage portion is pushed from a predetermined folded position with a first pushing plate, and the sheet bundle is normally conveyed along with the first pushing plate and plunged into a nip between first folding grollers to make a fold. The first folding rollers are reversely rotated while the first pushing plate is retreated, and the sheet bundle with the fold is reversely conveyed and returned to the sheet storage portion. Then, a second pushing plate pushes the sheet bundle, conveyed through a U-shape conveyance path, from a backside of the fold to reversely fold the sheet bundle, and the sheet bundle is completely folded. Therefore, the sheet bundle having good appearance can be realized in good bundle folding processing.

Abstract: An inserter includes a hopper section including a plurality of hoppers for delivering inserts and a conveyor carrying a plurality of folded printed products, the printed products receiving at least one insert from the hopper section. A closure device applies a sealing element to an edge of one of the plurality of printed products containing the at least one insert. A newspaper and method are also provided.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus has: a plurality of conveying paths which convey sheets; and front and back aligning members which perform width alignment in the direction which crosses the sheet conveying direction of the sheets conveyed from the conveying paths. Standby positions when the front and back aligning members approach side edges of the sheets from the standby positions and perform the width alignment of the sheets at the width aligning position are made different every sheet on the basis of discharge position information of the sheets to the plurality of conveying paths.

Abstract: A printer comprising: a sheet media transport mechanism for transporting sheet media past a printhead; a pick-up roller arranged to be rotated so as to contact and pick-up sheet media from a supply of sheet media and deliver the picked sheet media to the sheet media transport mechanism; and a gear assembly for communicating a driving force of a motor to the pick-up roller so as to rotate the pick-up roller, wherein a first gear of the gear assembly is arranged to disengage from a second gear of the gear assembly substantially at the point of delivery of a leading edge of the picked sheet media to the sheet media transport mechanism so as to cease communication of the driving force of the motor to the pick-up roller.

Abstract: A method of picking sheet media in a printer, comprising: contacting a pick-up roller with sheet media of a supply of sheet media; rotatably driving the pick-up roller with a motor via a gear assembly so that the pick-up roller picks up the sheet media and delivers the picked sheet media to a sheet media transport mechanism for transporting sheet media past a printhead; and substantially at the point of delivery of a leading edge of the picked sheet media to the sheet media transport mechanism by the pick-up roller, disengaging a first gear of the gear assembly from a second gear of the gear assembly to cease the driving of the pick-up roller.

Abstract: A printer comprising: a support frame; and a sheet media pick-up device pivotally mounted to the support frame so as to be pivotable relative to a supply of sheet media, the pick-up device comprising: a driven roller arranged to be rotated so as to contact and pick-up sheet media from the supply of sheet media and deliver the picked sheet media to a sheet media transport mechanism of the printer; and a motor for rotatably driving the roller, wherein the motor and driven roller are arranged to pivot with the pick-up device, the pick-up device being configured to pivot so that the driven roller is consistently positioned to contact and pick-up the sheet media as the supply of sheet media is successively depleted after each pick-up.

Abstract: A sheet feed device includes: a conveyor roller that rotates in a first direction; a separation roller rotatable in a second, reverse to the first direction, that nips a sheet with the conveyor roller; a sheet detector provided at a detecting position to detect a number of sheets; a pressure generator that generates a pressure to press the separation roller against the conveyor roller; a separation torque generator that generates a separation torque to convey the sheet on the separation roller in the second direction; and a controller that, if two or more sheets are detected, applies the pressure and/or the separation torque to the separation roller to separate the sheets until the detected number of sheets is decreased to be one, and that, after the number of sheets becomes one, controls the pressure and/or the separation torque to adjust a position of the sheet on the separation roller to a target position.

Abstract: An edge of a first side board on a downstream side in a sheet feed direction brought into contact with an end face of a regulating member when the first side board is forced to move to the downstream side in the sheet feed direction. Thus, a base board connecting with the first side board is prevented from moving to the downstream side in the sheet feed direction. As a result, the package member which can be prevented from getting jammed in the sheet feed path during the sheet feed operation of a printer when the package member is stored in the printer regardless of the presence or absence of sheets therein can be provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling mailpieces produced by a mailpiece insertion system, comprising at least one mailpiece stacking assembly and a combination support/conveyor deck. The mailpiece stacking assembly accepts a plurality of mailpieces, i.e., as they are created by a mailpiece insertion system, and aligns the mailpieces to define a mailpiece stack. The support/conveyor deck is operative to convey mailpiece containers along a mailpiece handling path and includes loading and transport sections. The loading section is, furthermore, adapted to alternately reposition each of the mailpiece containers from an in-plane position to an out-of-plane position relative to the mailpiece handling path. The in-plane position is operative to transport the mailpiece containers along the mailpiece handling path while the out-of-plane position is operative to spatially reposition each of the mailpiece containers for alignment with a side edge of the mailpiece stack.

Abstract: To provide an image forming apparatus including: a discharge tray which can moves between a first position capable of loading a discharged sheet and a second position that is separated from the first position; and a sheet loading amount detection sensor which has a sheet detection flag abutting against the upper surface of the sheet loaded on the discharge tray and capable of moving in accordance with a loading amount of the sheet loaded on the discharge tray, and detects the sheet loading amount by detecting a position of the sheet detection flag, wherein when the discharge tray means is located at the second position, the sheet detection flag is removed from a position capable of detecting the sheet loading amount.

Abstract: A right angle turn module having a first transport that transports side-by-side sheets in a first direction. Downstream of the first sheet transport a barrier is positioned to stop the sheets. A sensor device detects an arrival of the side-by-side sheets at the stop arrangement. Then, an actuated second sheet transport, triggered by the sensor device, is activated to transport the sheets serially in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. In a preferred embodiment, a horizontal guide plate is positioned at a downstream end of the first sheet transport. With the guide plate thus positioned, a sheet traveling in the first direction and a sheet traveling in the second direction can temporarily be overlapped and a collision can be avoided. In a further preferred embodiment, the first transport further comprises overhead belts to urge the side-by-side pair of sheets in the first direction.

Abstract: A registration device usable with an image forming apparatus includes a registration roller, a registration lever to rotate between an alignment position to block and align a leading edge of a paper sheet supplied to the registration roller and an opening position to allow the paper sheet to be fed beyond the registration lever, and a resilient member to resiliently urge the registration lever to rotate into the alignment position. The resilient member has a center portion and first and second arms extending from the center portion. An end of the first arm is coupled to the registration lever and the resilient member is pivotable about an end of the second arm.

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing fully automated de-coupling device with smooth switching operation and durability. Basing upon mounting ring 16, regulating gear 20 is disposed in parallel with fixed gear 18 to shaft 10 of reversing cylinder. Pressure lever 32 tightens the regulating gear 20 to the reversing cylinder by lever principle. One end of the pressure lever 32 is urged by plate spring 28 at the center of the shaft 10 and, by temporally breaking off thrust of plate spring 28, the regulating gear 20 is released. Shifting member 34 for temporally breaking off thrust against the plate spring 28 has a pair of screw bolt 36 and nut 44 and is co-axially positioned with the shaft 10. One end of screw bolt 36 is regularly engaged with power source 48 and the other end can be pressed onto the pressure lever 32 in opposition to plate spring 28. The screw nut 44 is pivotally attached via radial bearing 54 to flange member 22 which is fixed to the end of the shaft 10.

Abstract: In a game machine having a game base providing a game region through which a game ball runs provided at the front side surface side of that base, the game base is comprised of a substrate further comprised of a first synthetic resin having a determined transparency, and a thin-film layer coated over the surface of the substrate, this thin-film layer being further comprised of a second synthetic resin having a determined transparency and including an ultraviolet curing resin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chess game that integrates betting into the game and also introduces elements of chance into the game. In particular, the present invention provides a chess game which integrates betting into a pre-game portion of the game and/or during gameplay based on piece distribution among the players. The chess game also introduces 1) elements of chance into the game, 2) flexibility of piece distribution among players, 3) novel pieces not present in traditional chess, and 4) flexible and unorthodox board sizes. A method of playing a game of chess is also provided.

Abstract: An improved video draw poker game is disclosed wherein for each round of game play five hands of cards are sequentially dealt and played. Bets are placed on each hand, and the player selects some cards in each hand to be held, or to be rejected and replaced. Cards that are either held or rejected by a player in one hand of cards are moved forward to be played in a subsequent one of the five hands of cards to attempt to develop a better hand. The moved cards are replaced in the hand from which they are originally dealt.

Abstract: A method for playing a card game among players includes determining a first rule, second rule, and third rule for playing the game. A starting hand is dealt to each player who sorts their cards into a first card group, second card group, and third card group. The cards are analyzed in each of the first and third card groups based on the respective first and third rules to determine a ranking for each of the first and third card groups. The ranks are compared between each of the players to determine a highest rank, which is the winner for each of the first and third card groups. An integer value is determined for each of the cards to define the second rule. The integer values of the cards in each of the second card groups are totaled to determine a hand score for each player. The highest hand score wins the second card group.

Abstract: A novel card game is disclosed utilizing a standard deck of playing cards and played by combining the rules of tic-tac-toe and twenty-one or poker. The player places the cards at certain locations in order to accumulate combinations of twenty-one or in order to accumulate the best poker hands. Also disclosed are novel decks of game playing cards containing playing cards. One novel deck consists of groups of cards, each containing the numeric values of one through ten. The other novel deck contains 37 or 38 novel cards, each containing a numeric value one through 36, or a zero or a double zero, along with a color indication of red, black or green.

Abstract: A throwing pick game that includes a playing surface, at least one throwing pick and a support panel. The playing surface further includes a plurality of scoring areas having an identifying indicia disposed therein for which a player can be awarded the value of the identifying indicia when the throwing pick lands in the scoring area. The scoring areas are further defined by a border. The support panel further includes an attachment mechanism that functions to secure the throwing pick game to a suitable support structure in a generally vertical orientation.

Abstract: A method providing a self-dispensing additive for buffering a projectile trapping medium and passivating spent projectiles trapped therein. The additive is a buffering compound formed as blocks of low-density foamed-concrete that self-dispenses the additive when contacted by the fired projectiles. The blocks contain dry components that may include one or more of low-solubility phosphate compounds, low-solubility aluminum compounds, iron compounds, sulfate compounds, and calcium carbonate mixed with a cementing material, water, and an aqueous-based foam in substantially stoichiometric amounts. The aqueous-based foam is added in a quantity sufficient to adjust the density of the block to neutral buoyancy in the projectile-trapping medium. The additive chemically stabilizes the medium while also passivating projectiles, in particular heavy-metal projectiles, trapped in the medium.

Abstract: An article acquisition game apparatus includes a storage unit storing articles, and an article transferring unit enabling a player to hold the articles in the storage unit and transfer the articles to a predetermined transfer position when the player operates an operation input unit. The game apparatus comprises a distributing unit dividing the articles transferred to the transfer position into two or more groups, a first accumulation unit accumulating at least one group of the articles divided by the distributing unit, an article disbursement unit allowing the player to take out at least one group of the articles other than those accumulated by the first accumulation unit, an operating information generating unit generating operating information based on predetermined conditions, and an ejecting unit ejecting the articles accumulated by the first accumulation unit, to the article disbursement unit, based on the operating information.

Abstract: A queuing system and method are provided for filling vacancies at seats at manual and electronic gaming tables in a card room by establishing electronic waiting lists. The queuing system comprises at least one player interface, a queue interface, and a server computer networked to the player interface and the queue interface. In use, new players are placed on one or more of the electronic waiting lists, while the seats are monitored for vacancies via the player interfaces. Upon detecting a vacant seat, the server computer automatically assigns the next new player on the corresponding waiting list to the vacant seat of the selected manual or electronic gaming table.

Abstract: A seal and method of making seals utilises folds in order to form creases in a length of material such that the creases reinforce individual seal elements or surfaces whilst perforations or slots in a seal edge allow air leakage from one side of the seal element or surface to the other. Thus, air pressurisation can take place between spaced seal elements or surfaces and this allows air flotation or riding of a rotating component relative to a static housing component. The perforations are typically graduated from the seal edge in order to provide the best pressurisation and air-riding effect for proximity or gap control between the sealing edge and the rotating component surface. The slots effectively provide flexibility to the sealing edge such that the seal component emulates a brush seal.

Abstract: A tool chuck may include an input shaft. A chuck actuating shaft may be mounted for rotation on the input shaft. A chuck actuating screw may be coupled to the chuck actuating shaft. A spacer may be interposed between the chuck actuating shaft and the input shaft.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a reversible plate positioning device for a stationary radiation imaging trailer system, comprising a left platform (7-1) and a right platform (7-2) that can be connected with a trailing part (4) of a trailer frame and ground locking part (12), the left platform (7-1) and right platform (7-2) provided with slopes (1) for the uploading of a vehicle to be detected respectively at the front ends and with positioning recesses (9) at the middle of an upper surface, each positioning recess (9) being provided with a wheel-locking device (2), wherein, each wheel-locking device (2) comprises of a pivotable crank plate (10) that is hinged to the positioning recess (9) and can rotates about the pivot axis thereof, a chain (15) connected with the crank plate (10), a pull-rod (14) connected with the chain (15), and a fixing sleeve (6) corresponding to the pull-rod (14), in which a spring (13) is provided in the fixing sleeve (6), and when the vehicle to be detected is located in the positio

Abstract: The invention relates to a boot for a binding, which is suited for alpine skiing, ski touring, cross-country skiing, telemark skiing and also for other snow sliding sports, the boot having greater comfort in wearing and moving. Moreover multifunctional components make it possible for the overall equipment with which the snow sportsman is burdened to have low weight. The boot comprises an outer shell for holding the foot and a coupling part for fastening the boot in the binding, the boot being held in the boot tip region and in the heel region of the binding on the coupling part. The outer shell is movably connected to the coupling part, the connection of the outer shell to the coupling part being made such that in the state of the boot fastened in the binding the foot held in the outer shell together with the outer shell can be lifted in the heel region and lowered again in a walking motion.

Abstract: A top-mounted, wide-track axle assembly for a skateboard. The axle assembly includes an axle frame member having a length of at least eight inches and formed substantially in a shape of an inverted “W”. A central portion of the axle frame member is provided with a mounting bracket having a downwardly projecting pin and a slot-shaped hole for pivotably and tiltably mounting the axle frame member on a top surface of the skateboard in a direction perpendicular to a traveling direction of the skateboard. Outer arm portions are provided on opposite ends of the axle frame member for accommodating a pair of right and left wheels outboard of side edges of the skateboard.

Abstract: A shopping cart modified for vehicle transport and advertising method provides shoppers with a personal shopping cart they keep and use to transport groceries from the store to their home without unloading the groceries out of the cart multiple times, it includes a shopping cart modified with a locking support assembly comprising a rigid horizontally deposed inter support member with a connection plate member. The inter support member slides horizontally inside of a horizontal outer support member connected to a base plate that is connected to the lower side of a shopping cart basket whereby the shopping cart can be lifted and transported by locking the shopping cart onto a carrier means coupled to a receiver hitch of a vehicle. The advertising method comprises the steps of providing at least one removably attached advertising placard on a surface of the front wall, rear wall, and opposed side walls.