Abstract: A clothes dryer is provided. In the dryer, air flowing into a drying container is provided with heat from heat pump. The clothes dryer comprises a cabinet, a drying container rotationally mounted in the cabinet, a motor providing the container with rotational force, a first air path connected to a side of the container, a second air path connected to another side of the container and to the outside of the cabinet, and a first heat exchanging member and a second heat exchanging member in the first air path. A damper may be additionally included in the second air path.

Abstract: A tunnel finisher in which the articles of clothing (14) are impinged on with steam pulses in a discontinuous fashion. This lowers the steam requirement. It is additionally provided that other points of the article of clothing (14) are continuously impinged on with steam, as a result of which no damage to the articles of clothing (14) occurs during the steam impingement. It is finally provided that transport hangers (15), on which the articles of clothing (14) hang while being transported through the tunnel finisher, are rotated in opposite directions, as a result of which halves of adjacent articles of clothing (14) alternately assume relatively large and relatively small spacings relative to one another. In this way, the articles of clothing (14) can be impinged on effectively and with steam.

Abstract: A system for directing cooling air onto a neck ring in a glassware molding machine that includes at least one air plenum stationarily disposed at a blank mold station and having an internal cavity for receiving cooling air flowing laterally inwardly toward the axis and at least one outlet opening adjacent to the axis, a plunger wear plate disposed overlying at least a portion of the air plenum, and having an array of axially oriented openings for receiving air directed from the air plenum, a plurality of openings in the neck ring arm for receiving air from the openings in the plunger wear plate across a gap between the neck ring arm and the plunger wear plate when the neck ring arm overlies the plunger wear plate, and a plurality of air passages in the neck ring for receiving air from the neck ring arm openings.

Abstract: An automatic clothes dryer comprises a cabinet defining an interior space in which is rotatably mounted a drum that defines a drying chamber, a heater assembly having a heating element for heating air, and a motor for rotating the drum. A blower is mounted within the interior space and is fluidly coupled to the drying chamber for moving heated air through the drying chamber. A first temperature sensor is mounted upstream of the heating element. A second temperature sensor is mounted downstream of the blower. Outputs from the temperature sensors are utilized with one or more methods to determine the air flow characteristics through the dryer.

Abstract: What my top notch invention is, is a new and highly advanced: “ballet”: “pointe shoes”, worn by almost every dancer studying the fine and highly excelled “art” of “ballet”, whereby my invention to enhance upon ballet dancer's training within achieving “pointe” will far engage a possibly more: “re-fined” dance and very, very possible end the severe pain and hurting upon their “feet” or: “tool's”. My invention of: “the ultra pointe”, was not only designed with a more easier facet to achieve from: “demi-pointe” to: “full pointe” more gracefully, but indeed the main factor of my new “pointe shoe” design is the severe pain dancer's go through along with: “deformation's” of their feet with every “point shoes” manufactured today for “ballet” inwhich my “pointe shoe”, design will very, very possible stop or greatly lesson the pain and severe displacement's of all of the: “ballet-pointe shoes” worn today by almost every dancer studying the fine love of “ballet”.

Abstract: An item of footwear (10), which exposes a substantial portion of a wearer's foot, is disclosed. The footwear includes a plurality of foot enclosures (110, 112) operably connected to each other via a connector (114), such as a plurality of elastic straps (200, 202). Protective pads (180, 182) may be attached to the footwear, such as leather pads on the plantar surface of the footwear. One advantage offered by this footwear is that the wearer's foot—and particularly the arch and middle of the foot—is substantially exposed to view, achieving a new aesthetic for ballet and dance footwear.

Abstract: Low durometer polymeric gel articles and methods of making are provided herein.

Abstract: A shock absorbing device for a shoe sole according to the present invention comprises: an outer sole 2; a midsole M that is disposed above the outer sole 2; and a deformation element 3 disposed between the outer sole 2 and the midsole M. The deformation element 3 is joined to the bottom surface of the midsole M and is joined to the upper surface of the outer sole 2. The deformation element has a tubular part 30 in a flat tubular form, and Young's modulus of a material constituting the tubular part 30 is greater than both that of a material constituting the midsole M and that of a material constituting the outer sole 2. The tubular part has a lower portion that is curved so as to be convex downwards and thereby undergoes bending deformation due to a shock at landing.

Abstract: A heel cup can be inserted into a shoe in order to define a posterior upward projection and lateral wings which surround the posterior and lateral faces of the calcaneum and which, through lateral notches, define a preferential deformation zone at, and in the direction of, the subtalar cone of the tibiotarsal joint. Moreover, a sufficiently-rigid connecting zone connects the posterior upward projection and the lateral wings, thus providing the shoe with good stability while enabling inversion and eversion foot movements. In this way, comfort is increased considerably, while the risk of articular injuries is reduced since the subtalar articulation is contained correctly upon reaching the limit thereof.

Abstract: A shoe for use by a person having paralysis or other restriction of mobility of one foot allows the foot to roll during physiotherapeutic training to gain walking ability. The upper body is used to at least partially support the person on an appropriate aid device during a step taken by the other foot having retained mobility. The shoe worn on the foot of restricted mobility has at least one omnidirectional roller member at the bottom thereof to allow the foot to roll forward to a position where a subsequent step can be taken. The relatively low level of friction involved in initializing the rolling motion of the foot reduces or eliminates reliance on another person to help move the foot forward during physical therapy.

Abstract: A sole device includes a bottom layer, a top layer, a check valve and a deformable material. The top layer is made of extendable substance and is attached to a top surface of the bottom layer with its edge being sealed with the bottom layer. A chamber is defined between the two sealed layers. The check valve is mounted in the bottom layer and has a valve inlet. The valve inlet communicates with the chamber to permit filling the deformable material into the chamber through the valve inlet. The deformable material is a viscous fluid and will be cured to an elastic solid by cross-linking after a curing period. The elastic solid cured by the deformable material fits the wearer's foot to provide good comfort and support.

Abstract: Footwear for moisturizing a user's feet comprising a multilayered sole and an upper portion coupled to the sole. The sole includes a top layer, an intermediate layer, a bottom layer and two refillable pouches containing a moisturizing lotion situated between the intermediate and bottom layers at the heel and ball of the foot location. The top and intermediate layers and top surfaces of the pouches include a plurality of apertures, which are in alignment and allow the moisturizing lotion to pass through for contacting the feet of user. The individual soles of the present invention comprise a top layer, a bottom layer, an adhesive layer for sticking the soles to regular footwear and two refillable pouches situated between the top and bottom layers. The top layer and the top surfaces of the pouches include a plurality of apertures for the moisturizing lotion to pass through.

Abstract: The specification and drawing figures disclose, describe and claim replaceable heel system for footwear that includes a plurality of heel bodies. The heel bodies are interchangeably and demountably connectable to footwear. In at least one of the embodiments, the plurality of heel bodies is demountably connectable to an integral contoured rigid orthotic plate that is removably insertable in the footwear for distributing forces longitudinally and laterally during use of the footwear. A compressible spring is positionable in the plurality of heel bodies to relieve pain during use of the footwear. In another embodiment opposing pressure connectable and detachable members are provided to demountably connect the heel bodies to the footwear. In an alternative embodiment a flared plug and hollow receptacle are provided to demountably connect the heel bodies to the footwear.

Abstract: In a hydraulic excavator, in a rear part of an upper rotating body mounted on a lower traveling body is disposed an engine room, and in a front surface of a partition wall for partitioning the front surface side of the engine room from the exterior is provided a step serving as a foothold for opening and closing a bonnet and performing maintenance work. On the lower side of the step, a duct for exhausting the air within the engine room to the exterior is formed in a state that the step serves as an upper surface wall of the duct.

Abstract: This invention comprises a torso 2 for putting on a shirt 1 thereon and press irons 3 to depress the front part and rear part of the torso 2 to press finish the shirt 1. The torso 2 is formed by plates 2a, 2b oppositely arranged at the front part and rear part. The present invention is made such that the steam flowing pipe 4 for use in heating the front side plate 2a is arranged at a position corresponding to the front part 1a of the shirt 1 at the rear side of the front side plate 2a. When the product of the present invention is used, it is possible to finish the front bodice of the shirt having the cloth overlapped portions rapidly and thus it is possible to increase an efficiency of the pressing operation.

Abstract: A combination steam cleaner and steam iron includes a steam generator, a steam cleaner and a steam iron. The steam generator includes a control device connected to a boiler element for boiling water to produce steam. The steam iron includes an iron heating element and a thermostat. The steam generator receives a maximum amount of power except when the iron thermostat is closed and the iron heating element requires power; the amount of power delivered to the boiler element is then reduced. The control device includes a circuit configured to deliver electrical power to the boiler element with a preset duty cycle, so that the reduced amount of power is a fraction of the maximum power in accordance with the duty cycle.

Abstract: A point of sale card package, and method for manufacturing same, include an intermediate in the form of a sheet of paper material which is sequentially V-folded twice about a first and a second fold line, extending orthogonally to one another, to form four stacked panels defined by and connected at the fold lines, with a credit-card-like card disposed between two adjacent ones of the stacked panels, and the with separate portions of the peripheries of the stacked panels being adhesively joined together by a pressure sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: A license plate holder for automobiles which allows the maximum viewable area for the plate. This invention avoids the problem of the license plate frame or tabs covering portions of the plate. The plate is held firmly in the cover and the cover attaches to the automobile at the back side.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for marking an individual and concurrently collecting a sample therefrom. Once attached to the individual, the device cannot be removed without leaving substantial signs of manipulation, so that that the association of the device to a given individual may not be altered without being noticed.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating a visual display. The apparatus includes a mirror element and a framing element. The mirror element has a curved reflective surface and a printed primary image contacting the reflective surface. The framing element is spaced apart from the mirror element and includes a background image element positioned to face toward the reflective surface. The framing element also includes a transparent view port that is positioned opposite the primary image so as to provide a line of sight through the framing element to the reflective surface and the primary image. The apparatus further includes a lens sandwiched between the mirror and framing elements, such as a lens with a cylindrical body, formed of a transparent or translucent plastic, ceramic, glass, or other material. The apparatus may include a light source that transmits light into the lens or onto the primary image or the background images.

Abstract: A container for creating a multi-dimensional visual display or illusion. The container includes sidewall and a visual display assembly mounted on an exterior surface of the sidewall. The display assembly may be provided in one or more labels attached to the exterior surface and includes a reflective surface attached to a rear portion of the sidewall. A primary image is positioned between the reflective surface and exterior surface of the sidewall. The sidewall is curved and the reflective surface and primary image are mounted to conform to this curved shape. A framing element is provided on a front portion of the sidewall with background images on an inward facing surface. The framing element includes a view port providing a line of sight through the container onto the primary image and reflective surface, which reflects the background images to the viewer so as to appear behind the primary image.

Abstract: A metal decorative article includes: a first decorative member formed with a first hole pattern of through-holes, the first hole pattern having inner and outer sides, each of the through-holes extending from the outer side to the inner side, and having an outer peripheral edge on the outer side and an inner peripheral edge on the inner side, the outer peripheral edge of each of the through-holes having dimensions different from those of the inner peripheral edge of the respective one of the through-holes; a second decorative member formed with a second hole pattern of through-holes having inner and outer sides that are respectively symmetrical to the inner and outer sides of the first hole pattern; and a frame defining a frame space. The first and second decorative members are respectively received in the frame space of the frame such that the inner sides face each other and are spaced apart from each other by a gap.

Abstract: A holding device for attaching a ceiling sign to a ceiling structure contains a base for attaching the ceiling elements and an adapter part for attaching the ceiling sign, the adapter part can be folded down from the base together with the ceiling sign in order to remove the ceiling elements.

Abstract: The invention provides a length adjustable pole display system. The pole display system includes a display unit for displaying information, a base placed on a floor, and a pole unit connecting between the display having an upper end attached to the display unit, a lower pole having a lower end attached to the base and an adjustment member meshed with an outer surface of the lower pole into which a lower end of the upper pole is inserted. The adjustment member tightens an upper inner surface of the lower pole against a lower outer surface of the upper pole when locked. The poll connecting between the display unit and the base can be adjusted in length freely and simply to flexibly vary the whole length of the pole display system, thereby improving user convenience.

Abstract: A product tray with an integral pop-up sign that can be displayed if desired, such as when extra lateral shelf space must be filled. The pop-up sign is disposed underneath the false bottom of the tray to save space during shipping or if it is not needed at the retail site. When removed from the tray the pop-up sign automatically raises. Multiple trays can be arranged side by side on a shelf with a pop-up sign displayed between them.

Abstract: A display apparatus comprising a frame adapted to engage and support the edges of a picture, a casing defining a cavity disposed behind the plane occupied by the picture in use of the apparatus, lighting device located in the cavity, a power source for the lighting device, wherein the lighting device comprising a linear array of light emitting diodes mounted in respective apertures in an elongate laminar support and arranged to provide backlit illumination for a picture located in the frame, the array being located in a tubular diffuser located in a light transmitting tube, the diffuser having a diameter less than the diameter of the tube, the tube being disposed axially of the casing; and wherein control circuitry and a battery compartment are enclosed by cover plates forming a channel to receive the lighting device.

Abstract: A container for a picture frame capable of withstanding temperatures of 500-1000° F. for 15 to 20 minutes that employs the use of water as its main protectant. The present invention works on the property of the phase change of water from a liquid to a gas. During the phase change the temperature of the water will remain constant until all of the water has changed to gas. At sea level this temperature is about 212° F. of 100° C. Tests showing that most photographic paper can withstand temperatures of this magnitude. This test involved putting a picture is a watertight plastic baggie and submerging it in boiling water for 20 minutes. The photograph emerged unchanged.

Abstract: A securing system that includes a first wall portion adapted to be attached to a surface; and a second wall portion separable from the first wall portion and adapted to be removable engaged with the first wall portion; the second wall portion including an opening for receiving a projecting member from a male portion of a locking mechanism, wherein the second wall portion is disposed between the male portion and the female portion of the locking mechanism.

Abstract: Firearm supports (e.g., firearm shooting bags) and firearm support assemblies are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a firearm support includes a generally pliable cover at least partially enclosing an internal space, and a generally inflexible support structure coupled to the pliable cover and configured to assist the pliable cover in maintaining a particular shape.

Abstract: A method for aiming a firearm by a person is disclosed. A collimator of static cling vinyl is attached to a lens of eyeglasses worn by the person. The collimator has an aperture formed in opaque material. A sight line is generated from an eye of the person through the aperture of the collimator, through a rear sight of the firearm, across a front sight of the firearm, and to the target. The aperture of the collimator optically clears the vision of the eye of the person to aid in the person's simultaneous visualization of the rear sight, the front sight, and the target.

Abstract: A sight mount for fire arms comprises a base part (10) to be mounted on a fire arm, and an upper part (11) to have a sight mounted thereon. The upper part is pivoted relative to the base part for movement about an axis between a first position corresponding to the operative position of the sight, wherein a projection (33) on the, upper part or the base part engages a groove (29) on the other part, and a second position transverse to the first position, wherein the projection is disengaged from the groove to allow the upper part to be separated from the base part. A latch (21) is spring biased to an engaged position preventing pivoting of the upper part, and against the spring bias can be brought into a disengaged position allowing pivoting of the upper part.

Abstract: A decoy cover and a decoy that has the decoy cover and consists of, in one embodiment, simulated feathers and in another embodiment, real feathers. The cover is easily attachable and removable. The near end of the covering is placed around the head portion of the outer casing of a decoy and the distal end attaches around the tail portion. There is a strap around the middle section that secures the outer casing to the main body housing. In the first embodiment, there are at least two rod extensions that originate from the main body that pass through the outer covering extending outwardly, with simulated feathers attached at the end. The feathers that are attached to the end can move even in the gentlest breeze creating the appearance of movement of the fowl.

Abstract: A reusable strike indicator of size and weight that is useful in fly fishing, ice fishing and bait fishing, which can be attached without slippage at any location along a leader or fishing line. The strike indicator comprises two solid and watertight half spheres affixed to a bridge that is hinged in the middle allowing it to be closed and secured by a snap locking mechanism at both ends so that the two half spheres form a sphere. The fishing line is clamped between the two halves of the bridge adjacent to the hinge securing the strike indicator to a fishing line. The snap can be opened and closed repeatedly to move the strike indicator to selected positions along the fishing line or to another fishing line without removing the fly or lure.

Abstract: Unique PTFE structures comprising islands of PTFE attached to an underlying expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) structure and to methods of making such structures is disclosed. The ePTFE material may or may not have been exposed to amorphous locking temperatures. These unique structures exhibit islands of PTFE attached to and raised above the expanded PTFE structures.

Abstract: An electric insect killer includes: a housing; an insect attracting and killing module coupled to the housing and including a light source for generating light to attract insects, and a high voltage grid unit surrounding the light source and operable to electrocute the insects attracted to the light source; a power supplying module including a power storing unit mounted in the housing and coupled electrically to the light source and the high voltage grid unit to supply electric power thereto; and a power generator including a power generating member mounted in the housing and connected electrically to the power storing unit, and a drive arm accessible externally of the housing, coupled to the power generating member, and operable to drive the power generating member to generate electricity that is to be stored in the power storing unit.

Abstract: An electric insect killer includes a housing, an insect attracting and killing module, an illuminating module, and a power supplying module. The insect attracting and killing module is coupled to the housing and includes a light source for generating light to attract insects, and a high voltage grid unit surrounding the light source and operable to electrocute the insects attracted to the light source. The illuminating module is mounted on the housing for emitting illuminating light. The power supplying module is mounted in the housing, and is coupled electrically to the light source, the high voltage grid unit, and the illuminating module for supplying electric power thereto.

Abstract: A system for distributing a solid pesticide within interior cavities of a building is disclosed. The system includes a panel coupled to an exterior wall of the building. The system further includes at least one orifice in the panel providing access to an interior cavity of the building, wherein the at least one orifice comprises an exterior-facing end and an interior-facing end. The system further includes a plurality of tubes located within interior cavities of the building, wherein each of the plurality of tubes comprises a plurality of apertures for expelling a solid pesticide and wherein each of the tubes is coupled at an open end to an interior-facing end of at least one orifice in the panel. A solid pesticide may be injected into an exterior-facing end of the at least one orifice, thereby distributing the solid pesticide throughout the interior cavities of the building via the tubes.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for producing fuels and solvents from fatty acid resources. Also disclosed herein are fuels and solvents produced by the methods described herein.

Abstract: A method of making a feedstock for a biodiesel fuel from an animal fat or oil includes the steps of heating and maintaining the animal fat or oil in a reaction vessel at a temperature of between 90-100° F., reacting and mixing a first polymer material with the animal fat or oil to coagulate the unsaponifiable portion within the reaction vessel, reacting and mixing a second polymer material with the coagulated reaction contents in the presence of a non-polar solvent to flocculate the unsaponifiable portion within the reaction vessel, and separating the unsaponifiable portion from the reaction vessel to provide a biodiesel fuel feedstock.

Abstract: The use of fuel compositions comprising selected hydrocarbon oils as carriers for detergents has been found to reduce deposit formation as well as prolong the functionality of fuel injectors. The selection and utilization of particularly characterized hydrocarbon oils as detergent carriers reduces intake valve deposits and combustion chamber deposits, in comparison to conventionally used carrier fluids.

Abstract: An assembly and method for decorating a monument is disclosed that may employ a theft deterrent locking device. The assembly may include a container that may be located and stored within a housing. The container may be generally oriented in two positions with respect to the housing, namely an upright, standing position and a lowered, stored position. The container may be lifted via a handle up through the housing into the upright, standing position. In the upright, standing position, the container may be locked to the housing from beneath a collar attached to the housing using a locking mechanism disclosed herein, such that the container may not be removed from the housing and may not be inverted. The container may be lowered and stored within the housing without inverting the container, when the container is no longer in use, such that the container may reside within the housing in a substantially flush manner with respect to a surrounding material.

Abstract: A vegetation attachment device for supporting plant limbs is used in combination with an overhead support member, such as the horizontal support wire of a trellis system used to support grape vines. Embodiments of the device generally comprise an attachment hook configured to engage the overhead support wire, a closing hook, a catch member for engaging the closing hook, a deformable limb containment structure, and biasing means for maintaining the engagement of the closing hook to the catch member. The deformable limb containment structure deforms to accommodate limited lateral deflection or growth in the vine or plant limb. Embodiments of the disclosed apparatus may be used instead of currently known devices, such as wire ties, for supporting vines and branches.

Abstract: A gardening stake kit for plant training includes a plurality of shaft segments that are connectable end to end to form a shaft of variable lengths. A plurality of grooves are formed in an outer periphery of each shaft segment. A pointed base is connectable to one end of a shaft segment, and a plurality of arms that are connectable to the grooves formed in each shaft segment. The grooves are formed by etching, molding, cutting or other means. Preferably, the grooves are formed at more than one angle relative to the top and bottom of each shaft segment and, preferably, include horizontal grooves as well as angular grooves. Further, the arms engage the grooves so as to prevent sliding and to secure the attached plant in manner desired by the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a soil-less sand based root zone medium for the production of sod. The present invention is also directed to a method for the production of sod using a soil-less sand based root zone medium and a sod mat produced by the method of the present invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing seed or seed samples includes an autonomous sorter which sorts seed by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a counter to autonomously ensure the correct number of seeds to a seed package, a cleaning device, a sheller, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining the sample segregating from other samples. Validation of the sample can be pre-required and information about the sample can be derived and stored for further use.

Abstract: A foamed glass plant growth support structure, including a foamed glass substrate and a plurality of interconnected pores distributed throughout the substrate. The substrate is characterized by a porosity of at least about 80 percent. The pore size is substantially between about 0.2 and about 5 millimeters and the substrate is sufficiently chemically stable such that water filling the plurality of interconnected pores experiences a pH shift of less than 0.5.

Abstract: A planting device which is simple in structure, small in number of components, light in weight, easy to conduct various types of maintenance work, low in material cost, high in construction efficiency, easy to continuously arrange when greening is carried out at a gradient surface, and in particular, high in work efficiency in terms of watering as well as a planting structure in which the planting device is used.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided an electrically heated plant propagator (1, 9) comprising or including a transparent cover or lid (4, 10), characterised in that the cover or lid has electrically conductive heating elements (6) on or in the inner surface of the cover or lid, the heating elements being connectab a to an electric power supply by which the heating elements, through resistive heating, heat the inside of the plant propagator when the cover or lid is closed.

Abstract: A flower pot cover constructed of a material for providing a decorative cover for an item, such as a floral grouping. The flower pot cover comprises a base portion and a skirt portion. The base portion has an upper end, a lower end, a bottom having a first thickness and a continuous sidewall extending generally between the upper and lower ends of the base portion. The skirt portion is positioned circumferentially about the upper end of the base portion and extends a distance therefrom. The skirt portion is substantially flexible and has a third thickness which is less than the first thickness of the bottom of the base portion. The base portion and the skirt portion cooperate to provide the flower pot cover with a shape sustaining configuration.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for gasifying a fuel to form synthesis gas wherein also a slag is formed. The apparatus comprises: a pressure shell; a slag bath; a gasifier wall; a free-fall trajectory for slag; and a heat shield. The gasifier wall is arranged inside the pressure shell defining a gasification chamber. It comprises a converging wall part that is provided with a slag discharge opening, located above the quench fluid in the slag bath. The heat shield is arranged above the slag bath between the free-fall trajectory and the pressure shell. The heat shield has a wall structure for allowing passage of a cooling fluid, the wall structure comprising an upper wall part and a lower wall part. The lower wall part of the heat shield is essentially refractory free.