Abstract: Special effects containers that include a special effects substance are provided in, for example, greeting cards, gift bags, photo albums, postcards. This substance may comprise particles (e.g., a glitter or confetti) and a liquid (e.g., water) such that when the special effects container is shaken, a visual effect is produced. One type of visual effect produced is similar to that of a snow globe. For example, pieces of a polymer confetti, each having the shape of a snowflake, may be included in a special effects container with a liquid. Such confetti may have a negative buoyancy with respect to the liquid such that after the special effects container is shaken, the pieces of confetti sink. The rate of descent/ascent of the container particles can be configured by changing the specific weight of the liquid or particles.

Abstract: A device for a medical instrument comprises an information tag connector adapted to couple with the medical instrument, the information tag connector further adapted to removably couple with at least one accessory.

Abstract: An electric fireplace having a fire simulating assembly is provided. The fire simulating assembly includes a semitransparent light filter screen, a mirror glass wall and a dynamic light source. The dynamic light source includes fixed light source and a photic cover composed with many rotating centrifugal blades. There are many photic apertures in flame shape. The centrifugal blades rotate around a center of the light source. There are clearances between the centrifugal blades causing light to reflect through the centrifugal blades. The electric fireplace achieves a natural effect of vivid, rising and leaping simulated flame.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an inflatable display that has a plurality of inflation modules. The modules are inflated by a fan element. More specifically, a first inflation module is formed from a permeable material and configured to represent a predetermined shape or design when inflated, such as a snowman, Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, Uncle Sam or another seasonal or holiday character. The first inflation module is surrounded by a non-permeable material creating an enclosure around the first inflation module and forming a second inflation module. The first inflation module is formed with at least one exhaust port in its base, which has two purposes. First, the exhaust port acts to inflate the second inflation module.

Abstract: A sign holder for a retail display comprises a resilient plastic molded body. The body includes two or more resilient clasps projecting from a common base to resiliently hold a retail display sign therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a picture frame holder which can accommodate a picture frame in either a vertical or horizontal orientation. The picture frame holder of the present invention includes a base with a slot and a vertical support having outwardly extending appendages, each of which has both vertical and horizontal slots aligned with the slot in the base. The appendages are spaced at a distance apart from one another which is substantially equal to the smaller dimension of the frame which it is to accommodate. Thus, it is possible to slide a picture frame into the picture frame holder using the horizontal or vertical slots which will allow the picture frame to be oriented in either a horizontal or vertical orientation.

Abstract: A frame assembly for displaying a print is disclosed. The frame assembly comprises a mounting area having a front surface and a back surface and a plurality of sides. Each of the sides have an edge portion and corners disposed between next adjacent sides. The edge portion comprises a first flap foldable about a first crease toward the front surface and a second flap connected to the first flap and foldable about a second crease toward the front surface. A pair of outer tabs is connected to distal ends of each of the second flaps and are foldable about a corner crease such that the outer tabs of the next adjacent second flaps abut when folded. The mounting area defines a plurality of access holes disposed in the mounting area next adjacent the corners for allowing access to the abutting outer tabs from the back surface for securing the outer tabs together to create a beveled appearance.

Abstract: A firearm includes a barrel that has a central axis, a receiver fixedly supporting the barrel, a gunstock that is connected to the receiver and that comprises a longitudinal axis, and a shoulder stock extending in a plane that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the gunstock. The gunstock and the receiver may each be configured to provide for angular movement of the gunstock relative to the receiver and, in turn, the barrel whereby the central axis of the barrel varies in a generally radial direction extending from the longitudinal axis of the gunstock. In this way, the firearm may be discharged by a warfighter, standing adjacent to a corner, around the corner.

Abstract: A firearm includes a barrel that has a central axis, a receiver fixedly supporting the barrel, a gunstock that is connected to the receiver and that has a longitudinal axis and a fore grip connected to the receiver. The gunstock and the receiver are each configured to provide for angular movement of the gunstock relative to the receiver and, in turn, the barrel and wherein the fore grip and the receiver are each configured to provide for angular movement of the fore grip relative to the receiver and, in turn, the barrel whereby the central axis of the barrel varies in a generally radial direction extending from the longitudinal axis of the gunstock. In this way, the firearm may be discharged by a warfighter, standing adjacent to a corner, around the corner.

Abstract: A semiautomatic handgun has a frame, a barrel mounted on the frame and having a chamber for receiving a cartridge, a slide mounted on the frame and over the barrel and longitudinally movable relative to the frame and the barrel, a firing mechanism for striking the cartridge, and a trigger for releasing the firing mechanism. The barrel has a peripheral wall portion extending from the chamber, a cylindrical portion forming a front terminal end of the barrel, and a conical portion disposed between and contiguous with each of the peripheral wall portion and the cylindrical portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for animating waterfowl decoys to imitate diving, dabbling, and feeding of live waterfowl. An ordinary decoy is attached by a self retractable line device with a locking mechanism to a spool on the shaft of the submersible motorized mechanism. When the submersible motorized mechanism is activated the shaft of the mechanism turns the spool attached to the shaft and winds up the line attached to the decoy causing at least a portion of the decoy to be pulled below the surface of the water. The submersible motorized mechanism has a portable power supply and is attached to a timer mechanism, which subsequently controls the length of time the submersible motorized mechanism is either on or off. The apparatus can also be operated using a remote control. The battery power source, the timer mechanism and the remote control mechanism are housed in a watertight container. A submersible motorized mechanism is attached to the exterior of the watertight housing.

Abstract: A screening device includes a screen and frame, and is useful in permitting fishermen to detect conditions of the water to be fished for optimum bait and lure selection. The screening device allows a fisherman to collect aquatic insects rising through the water to be fished, thus alerting the fisherman as to the food being seen and eaten by the fish, and identify what depth the insects are in the water. With this knowledge, the fisherman can select the proper lure or fly to catch the fish present in the tested waters.

Abstract: A fishing net retraction system for efficiently retracting a receiving net during non-use to avoid entanglement while allowing expansion of the receiving net upon receiving a fish. The fishing net retraction system includes a base attachable to a handle of a fishing net, a first connector attached to the base, a connecting device attachable to a receiving net of the fishing net, and a second connector attached to the connecting device, wherein said second connector is removably attachable to the first connector. The first connector and the second connector are preferably comprised of magnets that are attracted to one another while allowing separation upon receiving a fish within the receiving net.

Abstract: A fishing device includes a casing and a main spring positioned therein. A trigger spring is also positioned in the housing and a plate is interconnected to adjacent ends of the two springs. The device includes a primary latch operatively coupled to the casing and movable between a normally restricting configuration that normally holds the main spring in a compressed configuration and a releasing configuration. A latch release member is coupled to the trigger spring and the primary latch for moving the primary latch to the releasing configuration when the trigger spring is extended, say by the strike of a fish on a line coupled thereto. At the releasing configuration, the primary latch allows the main spring to decompress and this action sets a hook in a fish. When extended, the main spring absorbs shocks caused by a fish's movements while being reeled in.

Abstract: An ice rigger apparatus has a planar base member that has an adjustable fishing rod holder at one end and a trip rod at the other end. The trip rod is rotatably mounted to the top surface of the base member and is disposed generally transversely to the base member. The trip rod includes means for releasably attaching a portion of a line to it, the line running from a fishing pole placed within the rod holder to a lure that is suspended in the water just below the ice. The trip rod also includes means for releasing an indicator flag when the lure has attracted a fish and the fish has taken the bait.

Abstract: This is a device to hold multiple fishing rods and reels for the purpose of fishing or storage.

Abstract: Fishing lures and methods of making fishing lures involve the use of plastic film to cover a weight or other part of a lure between the eye of the hook and its bend. The plastic film may be attached to the hook shank by tying one or more knots adjacent the weight. An integral portion of the plastic film may extend beyond the hook and be configured to resemble the tail of an aquatic creature.

Abstract: A fishing lure having stabilizing wing-like fins along each side of the lure body is generally described. Stabilizing wing-like fins allow the lure to be trolled or retrieved under the water surface while remaining upright and swimming in a life-like motion. The stabilizing wings define a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface is substantially perpendicular to the lure body. The bottom surface twists along an arcuate line from a plane that begins acute to the side surface of the lure body to a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the side section of the lure body. The lure can also include a diving element towards the head section of the lure. The diving element can be a weight located within the head section of the lure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting spent water-based drilling mud into fertile indigenous top soil at a well site or location. The fertile indigenous top soil is produced by the steps of: admixing, at a well site, effective amounts of spent water-based drilling mud, mature compost, organic fertilizer, and top soil from the well site to provide a mixture containing spent water-based drilling mud, from about 30 to about 150 volume percent mature compost, from about 5 to 20 volume percent organic fertilizer, and from about 5 to 20 volume percent top soil from the well site wherein each of the volume percents is based on the volume of the spent water-based drilling mud present in the mixture; stirring the mixture for a period of time effective to form a substantially homogenous mixture; and drying the substantially homogenous mixture so as to provide fertile indigenous top soil possessing similar microbial and enzyme characteristics as the top soil at the well site.

Abstract: A gate assembly for selectively opening and closing a passageway includes opposed sides defined by a pair of newel posts. The gate assembly includes a gate, first and second mounting assemblies and a pair of hinges. Each mounting assembly includes a mount face plate, a backing plate and a plurality of fasteners for mounting the face plate to one of the posts. The hinges define a hinge axis and couple the gate to the first mounting assembly face plate and permit pivotal movement of the gate about the hinge axis between first and second open positions and through a closed position through an arc of about 270°. The gate is substantially parallel to the face plate when in the closed position. A caster wheel is coupled with the bottom of the gate in order to facilitate pivotal movement of the gate and to inhibit undesired forces on the hinges.

Abstract: A shade assembly including reflective shade panels suspended above a roof or along an exterior wall of a building. The assembly also includes a shade box, such as one including an assembly of upright support posts and attached cables to which dark or reflective water-absorbent shade panels are attached. The shade box covers a rooftop fixture. The shade box can also include a water distribution system which dispenses water substantially onto the dark shade panels when they are included in the shade box. The shade assembly may also be used in a method for cooling the exterior surface of a building. The shade assembly may be used in a method of obtaining government economic incentives for energy efficiency such as emission reduction credits. A shade assembly including reflective shade panels suspended above a structure on or near the ground, such as a parking lot.

Abstract: A stud of the type attached to a furnace wall or boiler tube has a plurality of projections extending from the top of the stud which act as a heat sink. The projections also have a corrosion or erosion resistant coating such as a chromium diffusion layer. The stud as well as the furnace wall or boiler tube to which they are attached will have a longer service life.

Abstract: A skylight cover includes a transparent lens and an opaque reflector attached to the inside of the cover opposite the lens. Light entering the lens can be refracted by the lens so that it reflects off of the reflector and into a tubular skylight assembly. Thus, the amount of light entering the tubular skylight assembly is maximized.

Abstract: A paneling system for ceilings of a building structure in which the panels are suspended by hook shaped flanges, on opposite sides of each panel from flat arms of L- or Z-shaped panel carriers or support rails. One flange of each panel extends over the flange of a neighboring panel atop the horizontal arm of a panel carrier.

Abstract: A concrete reinforcing bar support has a base, a support structure extending upwardly from the base with a channel formed at an upper surface thereof, a first clamping structure affixed to the support structure on one side of the channel, and a second clamping structure affixed to the support structure on an opposite side of the channel. A first rebar extends through the channel. A second rebar is retained by the first and second clamping structures in a direction transverse to the first rebar. Each of the first and second clamping structures has generally C-shaped configuration.

Abstract: The floor plank is a laminate of two layers of flexible plastic sheet material laminated together in offset relationship to define an offset marginal portion for each of the layers. Each of the offset marginal portions have oppositely facing adhesive coated surfaces. A foam layer and/or a fiberglass sheet can also be included in the laminate structure of the floor plank. The floor plank can conform to surface contours of a floor base. The bottom layer of the floor plank, whether it is plastic sheet or foam, is conformable to surface irregularities of the floor base. A one piece releasable packaging device covers the oppositely facing adhesive coated surfaces of the offset marginal portions.

Abstract: An induction foil cap sealer system includes a monitoring system that comprises a plurality of sensors disposed throughout the sealer system, each sensor monitoring a respective condition related to the sealing operation. A controller is configured to receive from the sensors data representing the monitored conditions and to process this data, determining operating information related to the sealing operation and possibly fault conditions with the sealing operation. The controller is also configured to communicate with a display system and to cause this display system to activate one or more peripheral devices in order to report to a system operator, for example, the determined operating information and/or fault conditions related to the monitored conditions. In reaction to a detected fault condition, the controller may also be configured to shutdown the cap sealer system and/or to remove work pieces that the controller has determined contain a faulty condition.

Abstract: A suture winding device having a rotatable base and a holder is provided. The rotatable base includes a needle holder for receiving a needle having a quantity of attached suture. A plurality of rods is disposed on the base for aligning a retainer thereon. Rods may be arranged in one or more arrays on the rotatable base. The base may be rotated to form loops of suture around the arrays of rods. The retainer includes first and second members that may be joined together using pressure and/or heat.

Abstract: The bag top folder and labeler includes bottom and side conveyor assemblies for conveying a filled bag to extend between a pair of folder subassemblies wherein, with the bag top extending above the subassemblies, a second subassembly is operable to in cooperation with a first subassembly reversely fold the bag top relative to the second subassembly center folder and flap tuckers to form a generally Z-shaped bag top closure including ears extending outwardly in opposite directions and elevator mechanism for elevating the bag relative to the first subassembly to compensate for different densities of product in filled bags. Thereafter labeler mechanism applies labels to the folded bag top including to the ears, folds the ears downwardly along the end walls and wipes the labels to adhere to the ears and the bag front and rear end walls below the ears.

Abstract: An apparatus for enclosing a product in a covering material includes a product feed and covering system, a clipper mechanism and a tensioning system. The product feed and covering system is configured to apply the covering material over the product. The clipper mechanism is disposed downstream of the product feed and covering system along a flow path of the covering material. The clipper mechanism is adapted to receive the covering material and to secure a clip to the covering material received therein. The tensioning system is adapted to introduce a tensioning load to the covering material after and while the covering material is received in the clipper mechanism.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide translating gates having at least one cooperating stiffener assembly and related, apparatus, systems, methods and computer program products. The translating gates with at least one stiffener assembly may be particularly suitable for non-pivoting clippers, such as, for example, stationary-mount clippers. The stiffener assembly can be configured to stiffen, brace and/or otherwise keep the gate assembly tightly closed during a clipping operation.

Abstract: Proposed is a closing cone for screwing screw closures onto containers, particularly bottles, with a receiving part, with a pick ring coupled therewith in rotation-resistant manner and with a pick-up system. The closing cone is characterized in that the pick ring (5) is segmented and is provided with movable segments (17), and that an actuation system (65) is provided which cooperates with the segments (17) so as to create a variable inner diameter of the pick ring (5). Closing cone according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuation system (65) is provided with a cone-taper coupling between the receiving part (3) and at least one segment (17), and preferably all segments, of the pick ring (5).

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for unwrapping a package of frangible articles bearing a wrapping material, the wrapping material having a rear portion and a forward tab, the forward tab adapted to open the wrapping material when pulled, the apparatus comprising: (a) a support member for supporting the package; (b) a grasping mechanism adapted to grasp the forward tab and to pull the forward tab so as to open the wrapping material; (c) an engaging mechanism adapted to grasp the rear portion and pull the wrapping material so as to remove the wrapping material from the frangible articles. The invention may be used in conjunction with standard confection filling, transport and packaging machinery and mechanisms.

Abstract: A loading arrangement of a wrapping arrangement in which a wrapping material roll deposited on a carrier can be moved into an operating position, where it is held in place by a roll. The roll is brought into an operating position by an actuator as a result of the carrier being moved out of its loading position.

Abstract: A dual mode strapper for strapping an article with a strap-forming mechanism is capable of selectively operating in a first mode to pre-form an endless pre-formed strap of a predetermined length at least slightly greater than an initial perimeter of the article to be strapped, and in a second mode to apply strapping material directly to the article to be strapped and thereafter form the strapping material into an endless directly applied strap around the article. The strapper may also include a pre-formed strap holding area adjacent the strap-forming mechanism that extends at least partially around an opening in which the article is received. When the strapper is operating in the first mode, the pre-formed strap holding area receives the pre-formed strap and maintains it in spaced-apart relation from the article before dispensing it from the holding area onto the article to be strapped.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously or intermittently and vertically forming, filling and sealing packaging includes an infeed section, a pleating assembly, a forming tube and a sealing assembly. The pleating assembly imparts at least one pleat to the film. The forming tube receives the film from the infeed section after the pleat has been made. A film tube is formed about the forming tube. The film tube is vertically fed downward to the sealing assembly which imparts seals to the film tube, thereby forming packages. A hole punch punches holes in the film tube. The film travels a film path that includes the hole punch, the forming tube, the vertical seal assembly and the horizontal seal assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for the sterile filling of containers sterilizes the containers before supplying them, with their caps on, to a substantially airtight chamber for filling. A precision lead screw precisely positions each container under the appropriate capping/uncapping mechanism and the appropriate filling needle. Filling and capping of each container is individually controlled so that each container is filled with a precise amount of liquid, and each cap is applied with the proper torque. The minimized number of components of the system minimizes the potential openings through which unfiltered air may enter the apparatus. Keeping the containers capped except while they're actually being filled minimizes the opportunity for any bacteria or viruses to enter the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging articles such as pouches which do not have rigid structures. The method includes the steps of placing first and second sets of the articles onto spaced apart loading panels of a carton blank so that the article sets are spaced apart with an unloaded further panel of the blank disposed between the article sets, raising the spaced loading panels together with the respective sets of articles to transfer the sets of articles to the unloaded further panel so that the unloaded further panel becomes the loaded base of the carton and the loading panels become opposed side panels of the carton.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for wrapping a napkin around one or more utensils. The apparatus includes a wrapping area defining a trough dimensioned to receive one or more utensils. A utensil dispenser and napkin delivery mechanism may be provided to deliver the utensils and a napkin, respectively, to the trough. The apparatus may also include a wrapping mechanism that wraps the napkin around the utensils. In some cases, a tension mechanism may be included to selectively limit movement of the napkin during wrapping.

Abstract: A hay bale bundler machine to receive individual bales of hay or other forage material from a field and to create a bundle of individual bales wrapped with a wrapping material for discharge back to the ground. Further included may be a fully automatic device that can be mounted directly to a hay baler to receive bales without them being discharged to the ground and to assemble such bales on the hay bale bundling machine for wrapping. The wrapping of the stack of bales to form a bundle proceeds by grasping the stack with a rotatable clamping means and removing the support surface from beneath the stack in order to permit rotation and wrapping of the stack to occur.

Abstract: A forage harvester is provided with a crop processor roll assembly that comprises a shaft and a removable crop processor roll having a fluted surface for cracking maize kernels. The roll has end plates, to which the shaft is connected by sleeves. The interior of the sleeve is joined to the shaft by two interference or press fits, and to the roll by a third press fit.

Abstract: A forage conditioner for conditioning cut crop material from a forage harvester includes a fixed bottom fluted roller carried in end housings and a top fluted roller which is pivotally mounted on the housings by a linkage pivotal relative to the housing about an axis lying in a plane at right angles to the roller axes so that the top roller is liftable from crushing position against the bias of a spring extending along the top roller. Flutes on the rollers are arranged with a first surface on one side which extends substantially radially outwardly to an apex and a second surface which has a first portion parallel to a tangent of the roller and a second portion inclined inwardly to the roller surface at an angle significantly less than 90 degrees. The bottom roller is arranged with the first surfaces leading to carry the crop into the area between the rollers and the top roller is arranged with the first surface trailing.

Abstract: A grass collection container for a grass mowing machine includes a bag or hopper attached to a support frame under the plastic top cover with air permeable panels, and a flexible sound barrier curtain attached to the support frame over the air permeable panels. The flexible sound barrier curtain has a thickness of between about 1 mm and about 5 mm. An air passage is provided between the bag or hopper and the flexible sound barrier curtain.

Abstract: A machine for removing articles strewn on a tract of ground generally consisting of a wheel unit; a support frame mounted on the wheel unit, having device for advancing the machine along the tract of ground; an endless conveyor mounted on the support frame, having device to gather articles deposited on the tract of ground and a flight extending from a front end disposed adjacent ground level, upwardly and rearwardly to an elevated rear end; a receptacle mountable on the support frame, positioned to receive articles gathered by the gathering device, carried upwardly and rearwardly on the conveyor and discharged therein; a moldboard disposed forwardly of a lower front end of the conveyor, pivotally connected to the support frame; and device for driving the conveyor.

Abstract: A device for indicating a residual power margin of aircraft turbine engines includes a measuring stage associated with at least one turbine engine of an aircraft to measure a number of first parameters related to a power output of the engine; a calculating unit associated with the measuring unit to calculate at least one second parameter indicating the power output of the engine on the basis of the first parameters; and a display. The display includes a power scale having at least one reference indicator indicating an operating limit of the engine; and at least one cursor cooperating with the power scale and the reference indicator to simultaneously display a current value of the second parameter and an available power margin of the engine.

Abstract: An air intake includes a spike and a cylindrical cowl. The spike is composed of a plurality of plates which are arranged axial symmetrically around a central axis thereof, and the cowl includes an inner wall parallel to the central axis and is formed so as to enclose a rear portion of the spike via a given space. The adjacent ones of the plates form respective aerodynamic compressive surfaces in spaces formed by the adjacent ones. The distances between the adjacent ones of the plates are variable, and the distance between the forefront of the spike along the central axis and the cowl is variable.

Abstract: A turbo-jet engine including a fixed structure and a fan rotor mounted on a drive shaft supported by a first bearing and a second bearing. The engine further comprises an axial retaining device configured to form an emergency bearing and to cooperate with the fixed structure and mounted rigidly to the drive shaft. The engine includes a structural flange on which the second bearing is fixed, and the axial retaining device comprises a retaining disk mounted on the drive shaft and configured to cooperate with a stop disk of the flange to axially retain the fan and form an emergency bearing.

Abstract: The turbojet includes a fixed structure, a fan rotor fixed to a drive shaft supported by a first bearing and a second bearing. The second bearing is mounted on the fixed structure through a bearing support part. The first bearing is mounted on the fixed structure of the turbojet through a device enabling it to be decoupled from the fixed structure. The second bearing is mounted on the bearing support part through a link acting as a ball joint. The turbojet also allows axial displacements of the second bearing with respect to the fixed structure of the turbojet if the first bearing should be decoupled. The centering function of the second bearing after decoupling of the first bearing is thus provided without introducing excessive stresses in the bearing.

Abstract: A regeneration control device which regenerates a filter (4) which traps particulate matter in the exhaust gas of an engine (1) is disclosed. The regeneration control device includes a first temperature sensor (16, 17), which detects one of an upstream temperature and a downstream temperature upstream and downstream of the filter (4) as a first temperature (Tin, Tout); a second temperature sensor (16, 17), which detects the other temperature as a second temperature (Tin, Tout); and a microcomputer. The microcomputer programmed to compute an estimated value (Tbede2) for the second temperature based on the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor (16, 17), compute an estimated bed temperature (Tbed2) of the filter based on the second temperature detected by a second temperature sensor (16, 17) and the estimated value (Tbede2) for the second temperature, and perform engine control for increasing the temperature of the exhaust gas based on the estimated bed temperature (Tbed2).

Abstract: Method, system, and controller for increasing exhaust gas temperatures through controlled operation of a radiator fan in order to facilitate regeneration of a particulate filter. The method, system, and controller being applicable in systems having an engine which emits exhaust gases having particulates which are captured by the particulate filter.