Abstract: Disclosed is a drying apparatus equipped with linear drive mechanisms to drive spray nozzles in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which a wet object is transferred in the drying box. Each spray nozzle has a long discharge slit elongated in the direction in which the wet object is transferred. Two opposed nozzles are provided at each of the entrance and exit of the drying box. Each nozzle has an elongated slit traversing the width of the wet object in the direction perpendicular to the transporting direction, the opposed surfaces of the nozzles being so inwardly oblique that the gap between the opposed surfaces is larger at the inner edge than the outer edge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pedestal dryer. More particularly, the present invention relates to new type of dryer for drying as a base supporting a laundry machine. A pedestal dryer includes a container forming a drying per surface on which a laundry machine for washing or drying is mounted, the container forming a drying space in which laundry is held; a hot air supply unit for supplying hot air to the drying space; and a drying degree sensing unit for sensing a drying degree of the laundry.

Abstract: A clothes dryer has a degree of dryness control system that is responsive to moisture level of clothing articles tumbling in a drum and a target moisture value to control the drying cycle of the clothes dryer. The clothes dryer has a load size parameter producing module and an air flow detection parameter module. These modules generate one of two parameter conditions used by the processor to modify or select an appropriate moisture target value. The load size producing parameter module generates one of a small load input parameter and a large load input parameter. The air flow detection module produces one of a first and second air flow parameter to be utilized by the degree of dryness processor. As a result, the processor selects one of four target moisture values from these conditions.

Abstract: An invention is provided for a hand drying apparatus for drying and sanitizing hands is disclosed. The hand drying apparatus includes a housing having an air intake opening and a heating element situated within the housing capable of heating air drawn into the hand drying apparatus through the air intake opening. Also located within the housing is an air conduit that is in communication with the air intake opening. Further included is a blower that is capable of drawing an air stream into the air conduit through the air intake opening. An ozone gas generator is in communication with the air conduit that is capable of injecting ozone into the air stream to create an ozonated air stream. In this manner, the blower ejects a heated ozonated air stream out of the hand drying apparatus through the air conduit, whereby a user's hands are dried and sanitized.

Abstract: A circulation-air generating unit directly generates circulation air that flows along a surface of a cleaning tank. The circulation air is applied to cleaning medium accumulated on the cleaning tank from a direction orthogonal to a direction of face of the cleaning medium to deliver and flow up the cleaning medium. The cleaning medium is flown up inside the cleaning tank by the force of the circulation air. The cleaning medium flowing inside the cleaning tank collides with a cleaning target object by high-velocity air supplied from a cleaning-medium accelerating unit to remove dust on the cleaning target object.

Abstract: A clothes dryer has a degree of dryness control system that is responsive to moisture level of clothing articles tumbling in a drum and a target moisture value to control the drying cycle of the clothes dryer. The clothes dryer has a load size parameter producing module and an air flow detection parameter module. These modules generate one of two parameter conditions used by the processor to modify or select an appropriate moisture target value. The load size producing parameter module generates one of a small load input parameter and a large load input parameter. The air flow detection module produces one of a first and second air flow parameter to be utilized by the degree of dryness processor. As a result, the processor selects one of four target moisture values from these conditions.

Abstract: A waterproof sock according to the present invention includes a sole portion constructed of a waterproof material and an upper portion constructed of an air-permeable material. The sole portion extends about a toe region for protecting a wearer's toes from wetness or from being inadvertently scraped. The waterproof sock includes a pocket situated atop a front region of the upper portion and is configured to receive and retain heat packs. Alternately, pockets may be situated on opposed sides of the upper portion for warming both sides of a wearer's foot. Accordingly, the waterproof sock enables a wearer to keep his feet warm and dry and in a cold and wet environment such as a ski lodge.

Abstract: A breathable shoe, including: an upper assembly having a breathable upper; a membrane made of a material which is waterproof and breathable, and a sole made of perforated elastomer, which are all mutually attached such that the membrane is arranged between the upper assembly and the sole, and the sole is sealed perimetrically to the membrane, in a manner to prevent moisture to enter into the upper assembly from the sole through the membrane, and to permit moisture to leave the inside of the upper assembly through the membrane and through the sole. In one preferred embodiment, the membrane is first attached to the upper assembly so that the upper assembly is a unitary upper assembly including the membrane, and such unitary upper assembly is subsequently attached to the sole.

Abstract: A disposable shoe cover for athletic use includes a unitary flexible material sheet folded into a shoe shape. The shoe shape defines a sole, an upper and a closed-loop shoe-receiving opening in the upper adapted to receive a wearer's shoe. Surface gripping members are provided on the sole.

Abstract: A footwear with improved straps, which has a sole, a first strap, which has a hollow tubular strap body made from elastic plastics or rubber, a first mounting portion disposed at one end of the strap body and affixed to said sole and a second mounting portion disposed at the opposite end of the strap body, and a second strap, which has a hollow tubular strap body made from elastic plastics or rubber and connected to the second mounting portion of the strap body of the first strap and two mounting portions respectively disposed at the two distal ends of the strap body thereof and respectively affixed to the sole. In an alternate form of the invention, the first strap and the second strap are respectively affixed to the sole and set apart.

Abstract: A shoe with a replaceable toe portion or replaceable heel portion comprises a shoe body having a toe portion at a front end thereof; a heel portion at a rear end, a detachable toe portion and a detachable heel portion. Each of the toe portion, detachable toe portion, heel portion and detachable heel portion has a connection portion. The detachable toe portion can be attached to or detached from the connection portion of the toe portion and the detachable heel portion can be attached to or detached from the connection portion of the heel portion. The connection portions of the toe portion, detachable toe portion, heel portion and detachable heel portion are selected from screws, buttons, Velcros, buckles and zippers.

Abstract: A footwear construction including a midsole frame having a forefoot base, a heel base and an intermediate frame section that connects the forefoot base and the heel base. The forefoot base and heel base can be separated from one another by a frame void. The forefoot base can include at least one forefoot base void extending across the width, of the footwear to improve flexibility of the footwear. The construction also can include a midsole including a lower surface housed at least partially within and/or joined with the midsole frame, with the midsole frame forefoot base and a heel base separated from one another below the midsole lower surface by the frame void, and connected above the lower surface by the intermediate frame section. Where the construction includes an outsole, that outsole can define an outsole forefoot void, which can be aligned with the forefoot base void.

Abstract: A protective insole comprised of chain mail which is placed in between the lower and upper soles of a construction boot, thereby preventing nails or other sharp objects found on construction sites from penetrating the shoe and causing painful injury to the worker. The insole is preferably rubberized as to provide comfort to the user, and is melded in between the lower and upper soles of the boot. In an alternative embodiment of the invention the chain mail insole is fabricated as a separate, removable sole that is rubberized and placed in the boot itself.

Abstract: An inner boot able to be inserted inside a rigid boot, which comprises a rear zone having a lower portion, or heel zone, comprising a first insert made of flexible and/or elastic material, to allow an at least partial flexion of the inner boot and to facilitate the insertion and/or removal of a user's foot into/from inside the inner boot.

Abstract: A slipper includes a sole, a pad securely attached to the sole and a top securely mounted on top of the pad and having a strap in connection to opposite sides of the top. An arch insert is sandwiched between the sole and the pad for providing comfort to a foot arch.

Abstract: A footwear item takes the form of a flip-flop or a slipper style of footwear. It is configured to be rolled or folded into a packaged configuration and later unrolled or unfolded into a wearing or unpackaged configuration. In one embodiment, the footwear item may serve as temporary footwear to obtain relief from uncomfortable shoes. The footwear item includes a sole member and an attachment member for coupling or attaching the footwear item to a person's foot. The attachment member may be mechanically coupled to, integrally formed with, or otherwise connected to the sole member. During use, the footwear item helps to keep a bottom of a person's foot clean and substantially protected from the ground or other foot contact surface. The small footprint of the footwear item in the packaged configuration permits it to be easily stored and readily usable in a variety of environments.

Abstract: A midsole structure for a shoe which improves a ride feeling and stability of the midfoot portion of the sole assembly during running. The sole assembly 1 of the shoe includes the upper plate 3 disposed on the upper side of the midfoot portion M and formed of a hard elastic member, the lower plate 4 disposed under the upper plate 3 to form the void S with the upper plate 3, formed of a hard elastic member, and having a downwardly convexedly curved shape, the midfoot outsole 6 attached on the bottom surface 4a of the lower plate 4, having the ground contact surface 6a, and provided discretely in the longitudinal direction from the outsole 5 of the heel portion H and the outsole 7 of the forefoot portion F of the sole assembly 1, and the connections 8, 9 provided on the front and rear ends of the midfoot portion M and interconnecting the upper plate 3 with the lower plate 4 in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A footwear made by improved process of draining structure, which includes an insole that has conical through holes cut through the top and bottom sides and gradually reducing from the top side toward the bottom side, wherein said insole being made by preparing a molten foam material and then using a hydraulic press-controlled mold to mold said molten foam material into a blank insole having a plurality of conical blind holes and then removing a part of said blank insole to open said conical blind holes by means of the application of one of the processing processes of cutting processing process, grinding process and punching process, an outsole, which is bonded to the bottom side of the insole and has a plurality of drain grooves in communication with the conical through holes for guiding water out of the insole and the outsole, and an upper provided at the top side of the insole for securing the shoe to the user's foot.

Abstract: In footwear having a permeable top side, an insole and heel associated with its outer sole, an improved circulation system includes a plurality of perforated air channels tanned in the insole, a compressible pump means having an inlet and an outlet located in a cavity in the footwear's heel, a reciprocal ball piston located below the pump means in the heel so the piston extends beyond the base of the heel when heel is not in contact with a walking surface and is operable to actuate the pump when the heel of the footwear engages a walking surface daring the wearer's ambulatory movement, an air passage connecting the inlet of the pump to the plurality of air channels, a second air passage connecting the outlet of the pump with the atmosphere, and one way check valves in each air passage allowing air to flow in only one direction in its associated air passage whereby the cycling of the piston will circulate air though the footwear.

Abstract: Non-highway vehicle plowing systems are described. The plowing system includes a mount assembly having a lower mount bracket, a plow mount bracket, an upper mount bracket, and an actuator bracket. The lower mount bracket is attached to the non-highway vehicle and the plow mount bracket is pivotably connected to the lower mounting bracket. The upper mount bracket is also secured to the non-highway vehicle and is constructed to engage the actuator bracket at a plurality of positions thereby allowing the plow mount assembly to be operable with a plurality of non-highway vehicles. The systems provide advantages in that the systems are not vehicle specific and are adaptable to different vehicle structures.

Abstract: A working device, with coupling means for operatively coupling it to a vehicle, which means form a quick coupling, comprises, on a rear side of a bucket (1), a supporting plate (8) supporting a first portion of the constructional elements forming the quick coupling, whereas a respective end portion of the vehicle arms has a further supporting plate (14), which is driven by a cylinder-piston unit (21), and supports a further portion of the quick coupling forming constructional elements.

Abstract: The present invention features an iron being adapted to guide a user through an ironing task. In some embodiments, the iron comprises a plurality of fabric selector switches, a message controller, a speaker, a temperature sensor, and a microprocessor. In some embodiments, said fabric selector switches are operatively connected as inputs to said microprocessor, said temperature sensor is operatively connected to a sole plate of the iron to measure the temperature of the sole plate, and the temperature sensor is also operatively connected as inputs to said microprocessor.

Abstract: An apparatus composed of: a steam generating base delimited by a periphery; a fabric smoothing appliance; and a cord connecting the base to the appliance, the cord having a length, a transverse width and a transverse height, the base being provided with a cavity for storing the cord, the cavity having an elongated form and extending in length along the periphery of the base, and the cavity being provided with at least one opening for the introduction of the cord into the cavity. The cavity is defined by a sheath extending in length as a prolongation of the opening for receiving the cord, and the cavity has a transverse cross section adapted to permit passage and maintenance of the cord in the form of a single loop extending along the length of the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a door handle having a connection part for mounting the door handle on a door and having a handle body for manual operation of the door handle. The handle body has an information section that carries haptically discernible information.

Abstract: A one-way vision perforated display panel that includes a transparent protective envelope having at least one open side edge and an adhesive applied to at least a portion of an outwardly-facing side of the envelope defined by a front sheet for adhering the envelope to an inner surface of a transparent support panel, and a one-way vision, perforated sheet having a display image on one side for being inserted into the protective envelope through the at least one open side edge with the display image visible through the outwardly-facing side of the envelope and the transparent support panel.

Abstract: Introduced is a power system chassis identification system. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a power system chassis rack holding a plurality of chassis, each housing a rectifier or a converter and (2) a label located on each chassis having symbols thereon identifying the chassis as housing a rectifier or a converter and its voltage input/output, which label is readable at a distance of not less than twenty feet.

Abstract: A memorabilia storage system for recording, organizing and preserving mementos is disclosed. The memorabilia storage system provides electronic templates which facilitate recording of event data on an information sheet. A memento may then be associated with an information sheet and numerous information sheets may be stored in an archive journal.

Abstract: A counting mechanism for detecting and registering the number of rounds fired from a recoil gun includes a housing that can be mounted to a component of the gun that exhibits recoil motion upon firing of a round. A counting device is contained within the housing and includes an actuator that is activated by the recoil motion of the gun component upon a round being discharged. A weighted mass is movable within the housing with the recoil motion of the gun component, and the actuator is operably configured with the mass such that movement of the mass resulting from the recoil motion actuates the actuator and increments the counting device.

Abstract: A barrel assembly for insertion into a parent barrel of a gun wherein said barrel assembly has a plurality of projectiles axially disposed within at least one barrel of said barrel assembly and associated with discrete selectively ignitable propellant charges for propelling the projectiles from said at least one barrel wherein said barrel assembly includes a parent barrel engaging means. The barrel is suitably provided in a removable rear barrel section having engagement means for operatively aligning the rear barrel section with a forward barrel extension. Spare rear barrel sections may be stored in a stock of the gun and automatically fed into alignment upon exhaustion of the projectiles in the barrel.

Abstract: A vertical fore grip for a firearm with an integrated pressure switch pocket. The vertical fore grip includes a body with internal storage cavity, a mount adapted to secure a firearm, a pocket for a pressure switch on the perimeter of the body, and a cap to secure a pressure switch and waterproof the internal storage cavity. The mount has a groove for a firearm rail, at least one locking bar, and a spring for engaging the locking bar to a firearm rail.

Abstract: A firearm grip with a rest is provided, which at least has a grip body with a hollow portion, a shell encasing and combined with an outside of the grip body and exposing a bottom of the grip body, and a rest received in the grip body and capable of being projected from the bottom of the grip body to position and support the firearm grip against a setting surface. The grip body and the rest can be coupled to each other by an elastic member that allows the rest to be resiliently retracted back into the grip body. Alternatively, the rest can be pivotally coupled to the grip body and rotatably retracted into the grip body. The above firearm grip eliminates the shortcomings of the prior art.

Abstract: The inline reverse action, spring-loaded fishing tackle device of the invention is a simple but effective device used inline with any fishing rod and lure that aids in the capture of fish. The device is comprised of a cylindrical shaped casing divided into two interior chambers which house a unique reverse action, spring mechanism that automatically maintains a constant counter force on the fishing line against the tugs and pulls caused by the erratic movements of a caught fish, whereby not only helping to hook the fish but also preventing any slack in the fishing line that could cause the loss of said fish.

Abstract: An ice fishing system is provided including a one piece base with two masts arising there from. Also included is a curved fishing pole which is coupled to the base with a U-shaped pin and upon which the pole resides. This U-shaped pin also allows the pole to rock to and fro between the masts and this pole has a fishing line that depends from an end thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems provide for the trapping and disablement of wood-boring insects such as carpenter bees. According to various embodiments described herein, a wood-boring insect trap includes a trap body, at least one longitudinal passage, and at least one insect entryway. The longitudinal passage is positioned within the trap body so that it is exposed when the wood-boring insect trap is not installed on a structure to be protected and enclosed when the trap is installed on the structure. The entryway intersects the longitudinal passage and allows wood-boring insects to enter the trap, proceed to the passage, where the insect will encounter an insect disabling substance. According to embodiments, the insect disabling substance may be a poison, glue, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A novel, energy efficient process of producing jet fuel is disclosed herein. The process is based on utilizing a medium chain fatty acid source such as cuphea oil, which precludes the need for high-energy fatty acid chain cracking to achieve the shorter molecules needed for jet fuels and other fuels with low-temperature flow requirements. In an embodiment, a process for producing a jet fuel comprises providing a medium chain fatty acid source. The method also comprises cleaving the one or more medium chain fatty acid groups from the glycerides to form glycerol and one or more free fatty acids. The method further comprises decarboxylating the one or more medium chain fatty acids to form one or more hydrocarbons for the production of the jet fuel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward systems and methods of providing a low-emissions diesel fuel for use in cold climates. Such fuels may be prepared by a Fischer-Tropsch process and include a pour point depressant. Furthermore, the fuel is used in conjunction with a heated fuel delivery system so that low cloud points are not necessary. Fuels prepared according to embodiments of the present invention may be produced in higher yields than otherwise possible because a higher paraffin wax content can be tolerated, thus obviating the need to remove or exclude the wax. These fuels are characterized by a sulfur content less than 1 ppm, a cetane number greater than 60, an aromatics content less than 1 wt %, and a difference between the cloud and pour points that is greater than about 5° C. The present fuel may be prepared by a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis from any number of carbon-containing sources such natural gas, coal, petroleum products, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A quaternary ammonium salt detergent made from the reaction product of the reaction of: (a) Mannich reaction product having a tertiary amino group, said Mannich reaction product being prepared from the reaction of a hydrocarbyl-substituted phenol, an aldehyde, and amine; and (b) a quaternizing agent suitable for converting the tertiary amino group to a quaternary nitrogen and the use of such quaternary ammonium salt detergents in a fuel composition to reduce intake valve deposits.

Abstract: A grass protection mat and a mat assembly having the same are provided. The grass protection mat of the invention includes a body made of polygonal portions, pillars protruded upward from the body, buffer wings protruded upward from the body between the pillars for distributing weights, an outer frame at the periphery of the body, lug members protruded from lower parts of the body and the outer frame. The mat also includes slide-type hooking means laterally protruded for connection of the mats, an opening formed at the inner surface of the outer frame. The mat assembly includes various forms of mat fastening members for connecting the grass protection mats. The invention facilitates connection of the mats and enhances assemblability of the mat assembly, effectively preventing sinking of the mats into the ground, thereby maintaining protection of grass.

Abstract: Systems and methods for hydroponically growing microorganisms within a self-contained air-supported structure, in which microorganisms are grown in an organic slurry, harvested, and processed to obtain and process and distribute molecules useful for biofuel or other purposes.

Abstract: A flower pot cover in combination with a retaining medium for holding and retaining a floral grouping. The flower pot cover includes a base portion defining a receiving space receiving at least a portion of the retaining medium so as to hold and retain the retaining medium. The base portion is constructed of a thermoformed plastic material, the base portion has an upper end, a lower end, and a sidewall extending between the upper end and the lower end. The sidewall is substantially devoid of overlapping folds and has decorative ornamentation associated with at least a portion of the sidewall.

Abstract: A wrapper for wrapping a flower pot and/or floral grouping or other item. The wrapper is constructed of a sheet of material or sleeve having at least one bend which separates the sheet or sleeve into at least two portions having different decorative effects. When the wrapper is formed about a flower pot or other item to form a decorative cover, the variation in the decorative effects of the wrapper provides the cover with at least a “two-sheet” effect which provides the decorative cover with the appearance of being constructed of at least two or more separate sheets. The wrapper may also comprise a decorative extension or detachable portion and may comprise a ribbon or preformed pot cover.

Abstract: A wrapper for wrapping a flower pot and/or floral grouping or another item such as a basket. The wrapper is constructed of a sheet of material having an extension attached to a portion of the sheet of material. When the wrapper is formed about a flower pot, floral grouping, or other item such as a basket to form a decorative cover, upper edges of the sheet of material and extension cooperate to form a skirt portion preferably having at least two separate edges providing a “two-sheet” effect in the decorative cover. The wrapper may have extensions on opposing ends of the sheet of material and may having one or more additional overlapping extensions.

Abstract: A plant package includes a flower pot containing a floral grouping and a flexible sleeve which may be provided with detaching elements at preselected areas. The sleeve may be secured about the flower pot by a banding element when the flower pot is positioned within the sleeve. When the sleeve is positioned about the flower pot, a decorative lower portion of the sleeve contains the flower pot, and a skirt portion of the sleeve is disposed about a lower portion of the floral grouping contained within the flower pot.

Abstract: A substantially flexible, shape-sustaining flower pot cover made by forming at least one sheet of flexible, substantially non-shape sustaining material having a holographic image or design on at least a portion thereof into the substantially flexible, shape-sustaining flower pot cover such that the holographic image or design constitutes at least a portion of the decor of the flower pot cover. The substantially flexible, shape-sustaining flower pot cover is provided with a base having a closed lower end, an open upper end with an object opening extending therethrough and a decorative border extending outwardly from the open upper end of the base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flowerpot of extremely simple construction having an automatic water feed function. An inner pot serving as a planting vessel is removably fixed in an outer pot serving as a water storage vessel. The inner pot has a water intake hole (2-2) formed in the lower portion thereof. The space defined between the inner peripheral surface of the outer pot and the outer peripheral surface of the inner pot is of sealed construction to serve as a water storage section. First, water is properly put in the outer pot, in which the inner pot is then received and fixed, whereupon the water collects in the water storage section. As the plant in the inner pot consumes water, the water in the water storage section moves into the inner pot through the water intake hole.

Abstract: In a fuel tank for containing a hydrogen storing material and a product generated by dehydrogenation reaction of the hydrogen storing material, comprising, a fuel chamber for containing the hydrogen storing material, a waste chamber for containing the product, and a tank envelope for containing the fuel chamber and the waste chamber, the fuel tank further comprises a partition wall fluidly separating the fuel chamber and the waste chamber from each other and being movable to change a ratio in volume between the fuel chamber and the waste chamber, and each of the fuel chamber and the waste chamber has a valve to be hermetically closed.

Abstract: A gasification apparatus for atmospheric liquid fuel, primarily comprising: a fuel tank, a gasification vessel, an air pump, a low-frequency generator, and a gaseous fuel output pipe, wherein the gasification vessel further comprises a gasification plate and the low-frequency generator adds a low-frequency oscillatory wave into an air introduced into the gasification plate by the air pump so that air bubbles output by the gasification plate impact mutually and break sequentially so as to generate natural ultrasonics in a liquid fuel and thereby gasify the liquid fuel.

Abstract: A movable body control apparatus includes: a contact detector configured to detect a contact between a movable body and an object, the contact detector outputting a signal when detecting the contact therebetween; object-removable judging portion inputted with the signal and configured to distinguish the contact of the object against the movable body from a removable of the object from the movable body, and to judge the removable of the object, the distinction and judgment being implemented based upon a characteristic of variations in the signal outputted from the contact detector; and movement-controlling portion for automatically moving the movable body in the same direction as a direction in which the movable body is moving when the object-removable judging portion judges the removable of the object while the movable body is moving.

Abstract: A drive mechanism is provided for a door operator, comprising a drive member and a driven member. The drive member includes a protrusion, the edges of the protrusion forming first and second driving surfaces which define a free space of at least about 90° there between. The driven member includes a protrusion, the sides of the protrusion form a first and a second driven surface, respectively. The drive member is adapted to be operably connected to between a motor assembly for rotating the drive member and a door closer assembly rotating with the driven member. The drive member and the driven member are disposed for relative rotation in substantially the same plane such that the driven member protrusion moves in the free space defined by the driving surfaces of the drive member protrusion.

Abstract: One embodiment may include an escape door assembly comprising a frame and a door. The frame being installed in an opening in a floor near a pair of floor joists. The door covering and uncovering the floor's opening to allow egress through the floor.