Abstract: A heating and blowing apparatus includes a main body housing having an inlet port and a discharge port; a rotatingly driven fan and a heating unit arranged on an air flow path, the air flow path extending from the inlet port to the discharge port; and an ion generator including a discharge electrode and an opposing electrode arranged in a bypass flow path, the bypass flow path branching off from the air flow path and leading to an ion emission port. Further, it includes a cover, arranged at the ion emission port, having an opening through which ions pass and one or more protrusions provided on a rear surface of the cover, the protrusion making contact with the opposing electrode placed closer to the cover than the discharge electrode is, wherein the cover is grounded through the opposing electrode.

Abstract: A covering for a shoe, the covering including: a body portion corresponding to a body portion of the shoe; a bottom portion corresponding to at least one of a sole and heel of the shoe; and one or more spikes arranged on the bottom portion, the one or more spikes being configured for one of football, baseball, soccer and golf.

Abstract: A shoe including: a body; a lower surface disposed on the body for contact with the ground; and at least one deployable traction element associated with the lower surface and having a retracted and a deployed position, the at least one deployable traction element providing additional traction when the at least deployable traction element is in the deployed position.

Abstract: A traction element for a shoe is provided. The traction element including: a base element; at least one spike associated with the base element; and a securing element for securing the base element to the shoe; wherein the at least one spike is configured for one of football, baseball, soccer and golf.

Abstract: The Genie disposable pedicure slipper is formed from a single piece of material that consist of polyurethane foam fabric. The pedicure slipper is intended to be worn as slipper on the users foot. The sole of the slipper is designed to conform to the outline of the human foot. The bottom surface structure is designed to give support, comfort and rest for the users foot. There are two strap portions of the sheet material. One of the strap portions comes from the heel of the sole and is cut to form an appendage. The other strap portion comes from the toe of the sole and has a slit. The two straps when folded over serve as a buckle by inserting the appendage into the slit.

Abstract: A shoe is provided with an ankle support member to reduce the risk of ankle injury. The ankle support member is a stiff resilient piece of bendable sheet material including a base portion, and a plurality of lateral and medial strips which are inclined upwardly and rearwardly. The ankle support member is bound together with artificial spider web silk for additional strength and flexibility. The base portion has a U-shaped horizontal cross section which extends into and is bonded to the shoe sole. Some lateral strips are connected to medial strips to form inverted support loops behind the wearer's heel. Other lateral and medial strips have free upper ends which are curved toward each other in a transverse direction, and their stiffness deters lateral movement of the ankle to reduce a risk of ankle injury.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to interchangeable decorative straps and strips for usage in combination with a footwear. The decorative straps and strips are secured to the exterior surface of the footwear by a loop and hook [VELCRO] fastener. This allows a user to wear a single pair of footwear with a variety of outfits by changing the overall physical appearance of the footwear with an assortment of interchangeable decorative straps and strips. The assortment of interchangeable decorative straps and strips consists of various trimming-type decorations, and is preferably selected from the group consisting of beads, bows, flowers, fringe, zippers and colored fabrics or ribbons. Each of the assorted straps or strips is designed to coordinate with, i.e., to be aesthetically pleasing with, a variety of outfits so that the footwear may be used in conjunction with a number of different outfits.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to footwear such as a shoe, including an athletic shoe, with a shoe sole, including at least one removable midsole section formed by a midsole portion, wherein the removable midsole section is non-orthotic. The removable midsole section is inserted within the shoe upper, the sides of which hold it in position. The shoe sole includes a concavely rounded side or underneath portion, which may be formed in part by the removable midsole section. The removable midsole section may extend the length of the shoe sole or may form only a part of the shoe sole and can incorporate cushioning or structural compartments or components. The removable midsole section provides the capability to permit replacement of midsole material which has degraded or has worn out in order to maintain optimal characteristics of the shoe sole.

Abstract: Footwear, such as a sports boot, including a shell or a shell element made of a rigid plastic base material whose softening point is greater than 170° C. and a method of manufacturing such footwear. At least in one local portion of the shell or shell element, the base material of the shell includes an additive having a melting temperature lower than 100° C., in a proportion of between 3% and 45% in a first embodiment and between 10% and 25% in a second embodiment. A heating machine includes a base provided to receive at least one boot along a longitudinal direction defined by the sole and a hot air blower. The heating machine includes at least two air blowing channels facing one another and located on each side of the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A cycling shoe substantially defined by an appropriately shaped vamp, a rigid sole stitched and/or glued to the bottom of the vamp, and one or more Velcro-fastened straps by which to tighten the vamp and immobilize the user's foot inside the shoe; each strap having a slip ring secured stably to the vamp, close to a first lateral edge of the vamp defining the longitudinal opening for insertion of the foot; and a fastening strip, of appropriate length, which has a first end secured stably to the vamp, close to a second lateral edge of the vamp defining the longitudinal opening for insertion of the foot, and is designed to fold back on itself about an intermediate portion, so that the second end of the strip rests on one of the two faces of the strip, close to the first end of the strip.

Abstract: The system determines the orientation, r, of an excavator or other machine sitting on a sloped portion of-a construction or work site with respect to the direction across the site in which there is no slope. This direction across the site in which there is no slope is perpendicular to the direction of the fall line of the sloped portion. The system includes a first inclinometer for determining the pitch angle, Pitch, of the machine and providing a pitch angle output. The system includes a second inclinometer for determining the roll angle, Roll, of the machine and for providing a roll angle output. Finally, the system includes a processor, responsive to said pitch angle output and said roll angle output, with the processor determining the orientation, r, according to one of the following: r=sin?1 [Pitch/(Pitch2+Roll2)1/2]; or r=cos?1 [Roll/(Pitch2+Roll2)1/2]; or r=tan?1 [Pitch/Roll].

Abstract: In an excavating device for a bucket excavator wherein the excavating device is supported by a carrier and has a reception chamber with an inlet opening and a material through-flow opening, a shredder is arranged in the through-flow opening, and a classifier is arranged outside the reception chamber below the through-flow opening and is mounted to the bucket.

Abstract: The bottom lip of a ground engaging bucket structure useable in the earth moving industry has a front edge that is transverse to the parallel top and bottom sides of the lip and extends from the top side of the lip to the bottom side thereof. A flush-mounted adapter has a top leg that longitudinally extends transversely along the top side of the lip, with a nose portion of the adapter projecting forwardly beyond the lip. A weld is formed in a groove in an underside portion of a mounting section of the adapter and intersecures the mounting section to the front lip edge in a manner that the weld is stressed substantially entirely in a shear mode in response to an upwardly directed operational load on the adapter nose.

Abstract: A tooth and adaptor assembly for a dipper bucket includes an adaptor having a rear portion for attaching to the dipper bucket, a tooth capable of releasable attachment to the adaptor and a retainer pin for securing the tooth to the adaptor. The adaptor further includes a tapering intermediate portion that narrows to a rectangular front portion. The adaptor further includes a planar surface on a portion of its intermediate portion and a cavity on the planar surface for receiving the retainer pin. The tooth has a tip at its front end for digging and a socket at its rear end configured to receive the front and intermediate portions of the adaptor. A small opening on the rear end of the tooth aligns with the cavity when the tooth is seated on the adaptor. The retainer pin is urged outward of the cavity by a biasing element to engage the small opening on the tooth so as to secure the tooth to the adaptor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an iron comprising a housing, a heating body, and a thermal screen (7) placed between the heating body and the housing. According to the invention, said thermal screen (7) includes at least one integrated conduit (73) with an inlet and an outlet for the circulation of a fluid.

Abstract: A kit that includes patterns and instructions for making baskets out of photos and/or greeting cards. Photos and/or greeting cards are cut according to said patterns and then stitched together to form a basket. The size and spacing of the stitching holes can be varied such that kits suitable for use by all ages and levels of skill are possible.

Abstract: A check presenter allows a merchant to provide customizable promotional offers to their customers. In embodiments of such check presenters, an edge of a substantially planar first panel having opposing first and second faces is joined to a substantially planar second panel having opposing third and fourth faces by a flexible hinge. A pocket is formed between the first and second faces of the first panel, and the first panel has a window formed in the first face coincident with at least a portion of the pocket. Promotional material may be disposed within the pocket and may be visible through the window. The promotional material may be customized for a customer based on at least one of an identity of the customer, a purchase made by the customer, and an amount spent by the customer. Alternatively, information identifying a merchant is visible through the window, including a name of the merchant and a logo of the merchant.

Abstract: A display apparatus for sales promotion, which is formed by folding a sheet, comprises a slit and first and second support portions. The slit extends within the sheet to have first and second ends. The first and second support portions are divided by the slit. The first support portion is subjected to a valley fold along a first crease line, which perpendicularly extends from the slit between the first and second ends. The second support portion is subjected to valley folds along second crease lines, which perpendicularly extend from the slit at the first and second ends, whereby an opening is formed, into which apart of the commodity can be inserted.

Abstract: A motion toy gift box is disclosed to include an outer box body, an inner box body accommodated in the outer box body, a plurality of rotation wheels, a plurality of ornaments mounted on the rotation wheels, a control circuit, a power drive mounted inside the outer box body and controlled by the control circuit to move the inner box body vertically in and out of the outer box body and to rotate the rotation wheels, and a sound and light circuit controlled by the control circuit to produce sound and visual effects.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a color-mixture display unit and an image display apparatus using the same, wherein the image display apparatus includes at least one color-mixture pixel which is pre-disposed at plates of a light box so that a pattern is formed. Each of the color-mixture pixels is equipped with a red filter, a green filter and a blue filter, or equipped with a black filter or equipped with a transparent filter. At least one color-mixture LED is disposed within the light box and provides a backlight for the color-mixture pixel. In this regard, the color-mixture LEDs are controlled by an image controller and provide various color light beams with the color-mixture pixels. In addition, arrangement of each color filter within the color-mixture pixel is utilized so that color-mixture effect of dynamic image is shown.

Abstract: The billboard alternative, which permits the removable attachment of a sign-bearing billboard to the pavement, roads, parking garages, bikeways, walkways, sidewalks, etc. for use by public and private corporations, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and individuals to advertise, promote, and inform drivers safely and effectively of anything that can be advertised. The billboard alternative uses a new, possibly porous material that adheres to the surface using an easily removable, extraordinarily durable adhesive. It allows for quick advertisement logo changes and is safe because the material is slip resistant, quick drying, and flush with the pavement.

Abstract: Provided is a system and corresponding methods for a network of indoor modular signs. The indoor signs are composed of various modules which are combined to make the signs fully contained and operable. The modules include paper and e-paper based displays and frames as well as power line communication devices. The invention includes: a network of modular signs within an indoor area, a computing station with prerecorded data, and said data is presented as scheduled on the electronic paper-like display modules and power line communication networks that provide both power and data to the displays.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a point of sale display having two joined flexible substrates capable of receiving a display material, each substrate having at least one leaf spring attached thereto and at least one fold line. Upon activation of the leaf springs, the substrates form curved surfaces, thereby giving the display a three dimensional form. The leaf springs and fold lines allow the display to be compressed flat and folded for shipping and storage.

Abstract: A conveyor belt divider used to separate different customers' orders on a conveyor belt at a checkout register. The conveyor belt divider is configured to hold a plurality of items, such as small bottles, that may be removed by a customer at a checkout register. A gripping element may be associated with the holding channel in which the items are held to retain the items securely within the holding channel. A stabilizing element may be provided to stabilize the conveyor belt divider to maintain the items held by the conveyor belt divider in an upright position.

Abstract: A photo frame structure includes a frame, an outer clipping layer and an inner clipping layer. The frame includes a viewing window at the front side of the frame and a plurality of side bars for enclosing the frame, a groove formed at an internal side of each side bar, and a sheet glass installed into the groove and attached onto the viewing window. The outer clipping layer is stacked with the frame and pivotally coupled to a lateral side of the frame, and another lateral side has a clasp module, and a containing space is concavely disposed on a lateral surface of the outer clipping layer for containing an inner clipping layer, and a lateral surface of the inner clipping layer corresponding to the outer clipping layer has a photo containing slot for containing several photos, so as to facilitate the change or storage of photos.

Abstract: A method of simultaneously displaying a plurality of separate, flexible, generally flat display items on a generally vertical surface comprises hanging a first elongated frame member having a flat planar back panel with a front flange extending therealong and an elongated channel extending between the flat planar panel and the front flange for receiving a first edge of the display items by securing the flat planar back panel on the vertical surface, inserting the first edge of at least one of the display items in the first elongated frame member channel, inserting the second edge of the display item in a second elongated frame member having a flat planar back panel with a front flange and a channel extending between the flat planar back panel and the front flange for receiving a second edge of the display item and aligning the second elongated frame member substantially parallel to said first elongated frame member, and hanging the second elongated frame member by securing the flat planar back panel on the ve

Abstract: A memorabilia kit and system directed to a more durable guest signature platform is disclosed. Elements include a memorabilia assembly, a signature engraving scribe, a polishing cloth and an instruction card. The memorabilia assembly is typically comprised of a frame, a metal signature mat board, a first backing material, a protective material, a second backing material, flex-tabs and hanging hardware. Additional elements of the memorabilia assembly may include a stock photo or document. Additional elements of the memorabilia kit may include an instruction card picture frame, an instruction card stand, a memorabilia assembly stand.

Abstract: A hyper velocity firearm has a downwardly-hinging toggle action. The toggle action incorporates at least one coiled torsion spring that is incorporated in at least one pivot of the toggle. A first embodiment of the firearm employs two torsion springs. A second embodiment employs a single adjustable-tension torsion spring. Tension is adjustable without disassembly of the toggle mechanism. A third embodiment employs a horizontally-oriented compressible coil spring positioned above the toggle to bias the toggle. In the pre-discharge configuration, the toggle of the present invention is about 3 degrees from a straight angle linkage, with a negative degree angle representing an over-center condition. The toggle action is compact and reduces recoil and muzzle lift when the firearm is discharged.

Abstract: A pistol accommodating rifle length cartridges in a pistol grip magazine by upwardly angling the cartridges in the magazine. The cartridges are successively chambered manually by exposing the topmost cartridge in the magazine in a feed slot, to allow the user to push that cartridge out of the slot, and the cartridge are guided into the exposed chamber of the barrel which has been pivoted out of the frame to a position to one side of the pistol frame ready to receive the cartridge.

Abstract: Firearms protected from unauthorized use are disclosed. A disclosed firearm comprises a housing having a handle; a safety located in the housing to selectively prevent firing; and a module removably attachable to the handle and containing an electronic identification device to identify an authorized user. The electronic identification device controls the safety to prevent firing by unauthorized persons and to permit firing by the authorized user.

Abstract: The combination firearm holster and rifle stock includes a rifle stock and a firearm holster. The rifle stock has a proximal end and a distal end, where the distal end is for removable attachment to a rifle. The rifle stock also has a depressed portion disposed along one side. The firearm holster is permanently secured to the rifle stock within the depressed portion of the rifle stock. A firearm holster for detachable attachment to stock of a rifle includes a firearm holster and one or more straps or a plurality of fasteners. The one or more straps are connected to the firearm holster and are used for securing the firearm holster to the stock of the rifle. The fasteners can be disposed through a portion of the firearm holster and are used for securing the firearm holster to the stock of the rifle.

Abstract: A stock of a gun comprising a first lateral member configured to offset the stock sufficiently to allow a user to position their head in-line with the sight of the gun. The stock further comprises an elongate member having first and second ends wherein the first end is linked to the first lateral member. The stock also includes a second lateral member linked to the second end of the elongate member and includes a butt portion. The configuration of the first lateral member, the elongate member, and the second lateral member facilitate positioning of the user's head between the first lateral member and the second lateral member to utilize the sight of the gun without substantial interference by the stock with the user's head or a mask or helmet worn by the user.

Abstract: A weapon mountable aiming system has a multi-laser assembly having a first visible laser pointer assembly, a second infrared laser pointer assembly, and an infrared laser illuminator assembly whose generated light beams extend outwardly through an opening in an actuator used to adjust the divergence of the infrared laser illuminator assembly. The multi-laser assembly being steerable by a set of adjusters in the weapon mountable aiming system to allow alignment of the generated light beams with a point of impact of a bullet with a target.

Abstract: Various detachable firearm mounting bracket device embodiments are provided. According to an embodiment, a detachable mounting bracket is adapted to allow users of various weapons platforms and field optical devices to rapidly and securely attach visual augmentation devices to a firearm. A detachable mounting bracket can comprise a housing to attach to a firearm stock, a clamping mechanism to secure the housing to a firearm, and a rail interface adapted to receive a visual augmentation device. The detachable mounting bracket device can be attached to a firearm with a clamp, screw closure, and a vertical interlock clamp. After the detachable mounting bracket is attached to a firearm, a user can easily and rapidly secure a visual augmentation device to the rail interface. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.

Abstract: A fishing device includes an elongated stake having a first end and an opposed second end, a ground engaging portion formed adjacent the first end thereof, a through aperture formed adjacent the opposed second end, and a planar surface portion terminating the second end and being disposed perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the stake. A ring is movably received within the aperture and a first swivel is secured to the ring. A fishing line has one end thereof being secured to the first swivel while a second swivel is secured to a distal end of the fishing line. Fishing implements are attached to one of the distal end of the fishing line, the second swivel and a combination thereof. The user simply casts the fishing line into the water and drives the stake in the ground for unattended fishing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for production or pre-assembly of a net, in particular a fishing net, comprising at least one fleet (22), connected to at least one mounting thread, itself connected in connector zones to a flotation or sinker line (26), characterized in the use of a mounting thread in the form of a fag end (24) with at least two threads, strands, lines, cables or similar and passing the flotation or sinker line (26) at least once through the threads, strands, lines, cables or similar of the fag end (24) in the connector zones.

Abstract: A fishing net device, and system. The fishing net device is compressible to releasably connect the fishing net device to the boat.

Abstract: A fishing rod is electronically enhanced to improve sensitivity and transmit to the user information related to conditions below the water surface in at or near real time.

Abstract: A secondary, preferably hook-free fishing lure is disclosed for use in combination with a primary hook-bearing fishing lure. The secondary lure is slidably attached to the fishing line, and moves along the line in an erratic fashion as the primary lure is worked through the water, to further attract fish to the primary lure. The secondary lure comprises one or more attractant elements, such as standard spoons or blades, directly or indirectly attached to a traveler element that slidably engages the fishing line and slides back and forth along the fishing line as the primary lure is moved, worked or jigged through the water.

Abstract: A fishing lure assembly and the method of making a unique fill composition that causes scent to be dispensed from the fishing lure assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for fish-luring use with a separate fishing line includes a fishing-line-attachable shaft (e.g., a straight length of rigid wire) on which are mounted first and second rotator members. At least the first rotator is mounted rotatably and slideably for rotation and axially movement relative to the second rotator in response to water pressure when the shaft is moved forwardly in a body of water. The interaction of an irregular non-planar rearwardly facing end on the first rotator with an irregular non-planar forwardly facing end on the second rotator produces fish-luring vibrations. In one embodiment, the second rotator is also mounted rotatably and slideably, with the first rotator rotating clockwise, the second rotator rotating counterclockwise, and circumferentially spaced apart protrusions on the rearwardly facing end of the first rotator interacting with circumferentially spaced apart indentations on the forwardly facing end of the second rotator to produce the fish-luring vibrations.

Abstract: An improved rattle for attracting fish includes a hollow cylindrical chamber that is sealingly closed by ultra thin end caps. An annular, ring like member is positioned within the closed chamber so as to rest on its edge on the inner diameter of the closed chamber. The chamber diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the annular member thereby allowing the annular member to pivot on its edge when the rattle is rocked back and forth along its axial axis. The length of the chamber is relatively short. The pivoting causes the annular member to strike the sides of the closed chamber thereby producing a type of clicking sound that is known to attract fish. The combination of the ultra thin end caps and short chamber provides for improved loudness and sensitivity to slight motions of the rattle.

Abstract: A highly reflective fishing lure for use in fresh and salt water, and used to catch fish. The fishing lure includes a body molded from a precious metal and multiple stones being set onto the body. These stones form particular designs on the body. The lure has a tempered, gold plated fish hook. These lures when used in the water cause reflections from sunlight that makes the lures glimmer, sparkle and glisten and a refraction of light that makes light bounce in all directions thereby resulting in the attraction and catching of fish. These fish lures double as jewelry pieces.

Abstract: An energy absorbing member for use in suspending a weight to a downrigger assembly for fishing. The member is formed of a viscoelastic material.

Abstract: An animal trap remover holds and picks up a trap that contains a dead animal. The trap remover has a trap holder with a handle on it. The trap holder has a flat base that slides underneath the trap, two opposing sides that extend upward from the flat base, and flanges at the top of the two sides, with an opening between them. The handle is higher than the flat base.

Abstract: A sample collection arrangement for obtaining organism-populated water samples from locations in the environment that are highly restricted in terms of physical access, which comprises a telescopic pole and one or more containers each of which, together with the pole, is designed to accommodate the physical restrictions encountered in sampling, such as severely grated storm drains, and a coupling arrangement demountably coupling the container and the pole that enables the container to be flexibly oriented in relation to the water source through virtually any acute angle relative to the pole's longitudinal dimension. Multiple embodiments of the container and coupling arrangement, as a well as a security component with extension capability, are disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel composition contains (a) a medium substantially free of to free of sulphur; (b) a detergent/dispersant additive; and (c) a liquid fuel where the medium substantially free of to free of sulphur is an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent, and where the aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent is present from at least about 50 wt % to about 100 wt % of the total amount of the medium. The fuel composition is prepared by a process and is useful in a process, where the fuel composition includes a medium that is a hydrocarbon or a nonhydrocarbon or a mixture thereof, to increase the efficiency of an exhaust after-treatment device of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of reducing the conductivity of deposits formed from the combustion of a fuel comprising an iron-containing compound, said method comprising adding a manganese-containing compound to the fuel.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for combusting a secondary organometallic compound in an engine including (a) combining a secondary organometallic compound and methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl, (b) introducing the combination from (a) into a fuel, and (c) causing the fuel from (b) to be combusted in the engine.

Abstract: A fuel composition contains (a) a medium substantially free of to free of sulphur; (b) a detergent/dispersant additive; and (c) a liquid fuel where the medium substantially free of to free of sulphur is an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent, and where the aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent is present from at least about 50 wt % to about 100 wt % of the total amount of the medium. The fuel composition is prepared by a process and is useful in a process, where the fuel composition includes a medium that is a hydrocarbon or a nonhydrocarbon or a mixture thereof, to increase the efficiency of an exhaust after-treatment device of an internal combustion engine.