Abstract: A shoe including a spikeless and cleatless sole configured to substantially conform to the contours of a surface engaged by the sole such that a human foot within the shoe conforms to the contours of the surface engaged by the sole substantially as if the foot were bare.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment is apparatus including a snow removal bucket for a bucket vehicle, the bucket including a top rim portion, a bottom rim portion, a guard extending past the bottom rim portion, and a bucket exterior, wherein the top rim portion overhangs the bottom rim portion whenever the guard substantially contacts a surface beneath the bucket. In one form of the apparatus, the bucket is attached to a bucket vehicle. In another form of the apparatus, the guard is bolted to a flange extending past the bottom rim portion, and the apparatus further includes a fixture attached to the bucket exterior adapted for coupling the bucket to a portion of a bucket vehicle. In a further form of the apparatus an edge of the guard is substantially parallel to and essentially coextensive with the bottom rim portion. Another form of the apparatus includes a second guard which extends from the top rim portion.

Abstract: This description relates to a card construction that may be assembled from a paper material support and at least one bent wire formed into a character outline. The resulting bent wireform may be held to the support with discrete areas of adhesive materials that are positioned to hold the character outline substantially in its mounted form and to (optionally) separate the character outline from the paper material support. The construction may be used as a greeting card, announcement card, artwork, label, or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provide for display and cable management includes a base and a display device. The display device removably attaches to the base. When the display device is attached to the base, an aperture is created or reduced in size. The aperture allows a smaller first portion of a cable to pass through, but prevents a larger second portion of the cable from passing through. When the cable is drawn through the aperture and released, the weight of the cable retracts it through the aperture. The display device and base may include features that cooperate to resist detaching the display device when the cable is drawn through the aperture. The display device may include a graphic insert. The base may be shaped to sit on a horizontal surface and present the display device for viewing by a person standing or sitting nearby.

Abstract: The robotic sign waver is unique in the use of common technologies used in an uncommon way. The industrial electric motor driving an eccentric cam that moves a bar has been used in various applications over the years. My patent request is the application of this technology to serve new and necessary purposes.

Abstract: A business placard comprises: an acrylic panel having a U shape cross section; a lower end of each of two lateral sides of the acrylic panel being protruded downwards with connecting block; a back plate made of acrylonitrile-butadience styrene plastics; each end of two lateral sides of the back plate having a reduced section corresponding to the reduced section of the acrylic panel; and a light source placed within the back plate. In assembly, the reduced section of the acrylic panel is combined to the reduced section of the back plate by melting the connecting block using supersonic technology.

Abstract: A sign assembly may include a display portion and an arm extending from the display portion. The arm may be moveable from an at-rest position, through a warning stroke in a first direction upon engagement with a vehicle to a fully extended position at an end of the warning stroke. An arm retraction mechanism may cooperate with the arm so as to provide a resistance force toward the at-rest position upon vehicle engagement while the arm is moving through the warning stroke. The retraction mechanism may be further adapted to return the arm to the at-rest position upon disengagement with the vehicle.

Abstract: An animated wildfowl decoy in the shape of a turkey having two internal servo motors to provide a reciprocal vertical motion to the head and a fanning motion to the tail feathers. The decoy has an internal power supply and a radio frequency receiver to respond to inputs from a radio frequency transmitter. A further embodiment of the animated wildfowl decoy consists of a self contained, partially encapsulated turkey tail feather assembly adaptable for use with a variety of wildfowl decoys.

Abstract: A fishing lure that has realistic motion when retrieved from a cast is presented. The lure has three sections: a head section, a tail section, and a mid-section. The head and tail sections are formed to resemble the head and tail areas of live bait. The mid-section has a series of segments that are joined by connectors that allow the segments to move back and forth when water impacts on the sidewalls of the segments. The overall shape of the fishing lure in one embodiment is a shad baitfish. Other embodiments include the overall shape of a lizard, a waterdog salamander, a blue gill fish, a goby fish, or a snake or worm.

Abstract: A mouse or rodent trap including a housing having an elongated rotatable paddle member therein and an insert within the confines of the trap housing. A trigger assembly engages the paddle member and releases the paddle member for rotation when the trigger assembly is engaged by the mouse or rodent entering the housing. The mouse or rodent is then swept into the insert which is then closed and removed.

Abstract: This invention provides a tree stand comprising a tree retaining member (16) arranged in use to releasably mount a tree, the tree retaining member (16) comprising tree gripping means (14) comprising a resilient member moveable between a first position in which the gripping means (14) are arranged to grip a tree mounted in the tree stand, and a second position in which the gripping means (14) are arranged to enable release of a mounted tree, wherein the tree stand further comprises a means to releasably lock the gripping means in the first position (22). The invention further provides a kit comprising a tree stand of any one of claims 1 to 9 and a tree.

Abstract: Methods for placing a container on young plants uses a container application device to quickly and effectively position a container around the young plants. The container application device includes a root section, a shoot section and mouth intermediate the root section and the shoot section. The containers placed on the young plants protects the young plants from wildlife browsing.

Abstract: This invention provides baskets for growing plants and methods for growing plants using those baskets. The baskets for supporting a plant or a seed that will germinate into a plant, and optionally a growing medium for contacting the seed or plant include at least two basket sections and a means for reversibly connecting at least two of the basket sections wherein the sections can be separated and the plant can be removed from the basket while causing no substantial damage to the plant. Seed cartridges with such baskets, growing media, and seeds or plants are also provided. The methods for growing a plant include separating the basket sections and removing the plant from the separated basket sections while causing no substantial damage to the plant.

Abstract: A set of stackable plant starter cell trays in which each of the plant trays include a plurality of inwardly tapering starter cell sockets for removable insertion of plant starter cells. Each of the plant trays has upper and lower leg connection means for the removable insertion of support legs, and each of the support legs is adapted for removable insertion into one of the leg connection means.

Abstract: A plant packaging method providing a tubular sleeve and attaching the sleeve to a potted plant via a bonding material which may be disposed on the tubular sleeve, or on the pot of the potted plant, and a plant package produced by the method.

Abstract: A planter is removably and adjustably attached to a base bracket mounted on a tree trunk or pole for vertically pivoting to match the angle of the tree trunk. A flag on a dowel or rod is inserted into a cylindrical groove on the bottom of the planter or alternately on the bottom of the base bracket. In one embodiment, two curved wing planter sections may be removably and adjustably attached to the planter to pivot horizontally, compensating for the diameter of the tree trunk or pole.

Abstract: A system and process for maximizing the generation of marketable products from a variety of hydrocarbon feedstocks. The hydrocarbon feedstocks are first gasified and then oxidized in a two-chamber system and process using oxygen gas rather than ambient air. Intermediate gases generated in the system and process are recirculated and recycled to the gasification and oxidation chambers in order to maximize both energy generation and the resulting stoichiometric reaction products. The energy produced through the system and process is used to generate steam and produce power through conventional steam turbine technology. In addition to the release of heat energy, the hydrocarbon feedstocks are oxidized to the pure product compounds of water and carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is subsequently purified and marketed. The water recovered from the system and process is collected and electrolyzed to generate oxygen and hydrogen gases.

Abstract: A medical image diagnostic apparatus including a frame which accommodates a main portion of the medical diagnostic apparatus, and a cover which is configured to be opened/closed by a hinge with respect to the frame, includes a power assist mechanism attached inside the cover, and a link bar which links a movable point of the power assist mechanism to a stationary point of the frame.

Abstract: A horizontal wall is formed with a notch groove. The notch groove is formed by cutting a tip end of the horizontal wall on the side of the vehicle body substantially along an approaching/separating direction between a vehicle body and a slide door. A connecting unit which turnably connects a plate and a roller holder of a connection assembly to each other is movably inserted into the notch groove. The plate and the horizontal wall of the bracket are fastened to each other in a state where they are superposed on each other.

Abstract: A door latching mechanism of a vehicle door lock engages with a striker fixed to a vehicle body to close a door. An outside handle on the door is operated. Operating force is transmitted via a rod to an intermediate lever below a windowpane in the door and transmitted via a Bowden cable to an operating mechanism. The force is transmitted from the operating mechanism to the door latching mechanism to release the engagement from the latching mechanism to allow the door to open.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for installing an adjustable height drain onto a conduit in a layer of hardenable material. The drain includes a grate member adjustably connected to and in fluid communication with a base member. A connection member connects the grate member and base member and is adjustable to allow the elevation of the grate member to be adjusted in relation to the base member. A sealing mechanism is disposed substantially adjacent at least a portion of the connection member to limit hardenable material from setting around the connection member when a layer of hardenable material is poured.

Abstract: A remotely actuated manhole system is disclosed having a cover that is pivotable relative to a frame secured with a collar on a bulk carrier, the cover being pivotable around a substantially vertical axis between and to open and closed positions. In the closed position covering an opening to a compartment in the bulk carrier, the cover is shiftable vertically between and to locked and unlocked positions by an inflatable seal member below the cover. The manhole system includes catches that prevent over-rotation of the cover from the open position to the closed position, and the catches engage in the locked position by the vertical upward movement of the cover. The inflation of the seal member and the pivoting of the cover are remotely actuated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting a wind turbine and blade assembly on the upper end of a wind turbine tower. In one aspect the apparatus generally includes a ginpole that is used to assemble the tower and a lifting frame or truss that is removably secured to a top bay assembly of the tower using the ginpole. The lifting frame or truss is operated using either cables or hydraulic rams and extends fore of the tower when the frame or truss is in a first position and generally above the tower when in a second position. When in the first position, a wind turbine or blade assembly can be hoisted to the top of the tower. The wind turbine or blade assembly is then moved into position for mounting to the tower as the frame or truss is pivoted to a second position. When the turbine and blade assembly are secured to the tower, the frame or truss is disconnected from the tower and lowered to the ground followed by the ginpole being lowered to the ground.

Abstract: A floor beam assembly, system, and method for installing floor beams within a structure are provided. According to one embodiment, a floor beam assembly for installing a floor beam within a structure is provided. The assembly includes at least one floor beam and at least one floor beam bracket attached to a respective floor beam. The assembly also includes at least one pivot arm pivotally attached to the structure. In addition, the assembly includes a pad attached to the at least one pivot arm, wherein the at least one pivot arm is configured to pivot the pad to a position proximate to a respective floor beam bracket to be attached thereto.

Abstract: A metal baluster is provided which has first and second metal segments, where each of these metal segments comprises a first end and a second end. The first ends of the first metal segments include extension portions from mating engagement with one another and the second end of each metal segment is adapted for attachment to the underside of an elongated handrail or to a tread or floor. The second end of each of the metal segments further comprises an ornamental portion which is proximate the elongated handrail or the tread or the floor. Connection apparatuses provided for securing the engagement of the extension portions of the first metal segment and the second metal segment. In another embodiment, a metal baluster of the present invention may comprise three metal segments where the first two metal segments are adapted for attachment to the underside of an elongated rail or to tread or floor and has an ornamental portion proximate the first end.

Abstract: A storm cover (10) to protect an opening in a structure includes a plurality of fabric panels (13) attached to each other by connectors (20). A receiver (24) is adapted to be attached to the structure and carries one end of the cover (10). A latch mechanism (30) includes a base (31) which is adapted to be attached to the structure. The latch mechanism (30) includes a tension connector (35) which is attached to the other end of the cover (10), and a tensioning arm (42) pivotally connected to the tension connector (35). Rotation of a handle (44) on the arm (42) positions a tab (39) of the tension connector (35) in a slot (33) in the base (31) and positions a pivot surface (46) of the arm (42) in a hook (34) in the base (31) to attach the other end of the cover (10) to the structure while at the same time tensioning the fabric.

Abstract: The present invention generally encompasses a ridge cap roofing product that is formed from a composite material. The ridge cap has a cross section that is generally in the shape of an inverted V with a rounded apex and includes a front section and a back section. The front section has a straight lower edge. The back section has a lowered edge that tapers both upward and inward. The tapered shape of the ridge cap's back section insures that installed ridge caps lie flat and that a covered ridge or hip does not have a saw tooth appearance. The ridge cap of the present invention is somewhat flexible so that it can be used with roofs that have a range of pitches. In one embodiment, the top surface of the ridge cap's front section is textured or contoured so that it simulates certain conventional shingles.

Abstract: An extension assembly is provided for an enclosure coupled to a structure, such as a building wall. The enclosure includes a panel member, a plurality of sides extending outwardly from the panel member to define an interior having a depth and forming an opening for accessing the interior, and a cover. The extension assembly includes at least one extension member coupled to at least one of the sides of the enclosure, and having a depth, and an adapter collar. The adapter collar overlays the extension member(s) and includes a flange portion engaging the exterior surface of the wall, and an aperture extending through the flange portion. The flange portion receives the cover of the enclosure, in order to provide access to the interior of the enclosure through the aperture of the flange portion. The extension assembly increases the depth of the enclosure by the depth of the extension member(s).

Abstract: Disclosed is a decorative panel having a composite structure bonded by an elastomeric cementitious coating. The cementitious coating bonds together a foam core and glass fiber mesh to form a highly durable and lightweight decorative panel. The panel can further include a finish coat of a substantially maintenance free pigmented coating. The panel may be attachment to the exterior surface of barriers and bridges. The lightweight construction of the panel adds little weight to the structure it adorns while matching or exceeding the wear characteristics of the attached structure.

Abstract: Provided is a grout member for a modular floor. The grout member includes a core having a wedge shape, wherein the core consists of a horizontal strut interconnecting two vertical supports. A flange extends from each vertical support to position and secure the grout member in position The core supports a surface section which is oriented toward the user.

Abstract: A counter for counting elongate objects having a separating section which vibrates groups of elongate objects in order to separate such elongate objects and move them to a weighing device that determines the average weight of an elongate object in the lot to which this group belongs. Such average weight is then utilized to determine the number of elongate objects that are subsequently placed in a counting basked to be weighed. Optionally, a storage section retains groups of elongate objects and moves them to the separating section. Also optionally, the counting section, which contains the weighing device, is constructed with the capability of moving elongate objects to a delivery section.

Abstract: Manufactured sections of a support collar which inter-engage to form the appearance of a continuous support collar and which are secured together and secured to ceiling joists form a support surface for a ceiling dome. Each of the collar sections include a grooved recess for receipt of a lighting element. End portions of the collar sections having inter-engaging male and female portions to secure the collar sections together and provide the appearance of the continuous support collar. The collar sections additionally have a weight displacement pan mounted on top of the dome to distribute weight forces of an attachment suspended from the dome.

Abstract: The disclosure depicts a high-strength yet lightweight material composed of interconnected struts that typically form a tetrahedral lattice structure.

Abstract: A collapsible support structure includes a plurality of linked, inter-connectable segments that allow the structure to transform between a rigid structure and a flexible chain. The chain is generally extendible in a first direction while the rigid structure extends in a transverse second direction. At least a first linked segment is connectable with a second linked segment that is not immediately adjacent to the first segment within the chain. The chain may be converted to the rigid structure by wrapping the chain about an axis extending in the second direction. The segments may include an overall height and further include a coupling that is connected to an adjacent segment. The coupling may be disposed so that the adjacent segment is offset about 1/Nth of the overall height. With this coupling, the first segment may be connectable with the second segment that is N segments separated from the first segment.

Abstract: A wall fastener that attaches a wallboard member to a mounting track in a manner that allows for relative movement between an overhead roof structure to which the mounting track is secured and a non-load bearing wall. The wall fastener holds the wallboard in a fixed position relative to the wall and the overhead structure to maintain a fire barrier.

Abstract: A reinforced pole structure including a hollow pole with an interior surface and an access hand-hole therethrough near the bottom end and a base plate to which the bottom end of the pole is secured, the reinforced pole structure also including an elongate reinforcement device, preferably in the form of two elongate reinforcers, against the interior surface of the hollow pole, the lower edges of the reinforcers being welded to the pole at the bottom end and the hole-adjacent edge(s) of the reinforcers being welded to the lip of the hand-hole. Preferably, the reinforcers have a far-side pair of edges which, at least in positions opposite the hand-hole, are welded to the interior surface of the pole.

Abstract: A sump system for use in basement waterproofing systems. A sump liner may be generally rectangular in geometry, and may include two side elements with apertures to exchange groundwater while blocking debris. An adjustable inlet may be provided in another side element to fluidly connect other elements of a basement waterproofing system to the sump liner. The sump liner may further include a base configured to provide a built-in stand for a sump pump. The pump stand may contain a lip with notches to allow debris to fall and collect in a trough around a periphery of the base. The base may further provide an underside cavity for accommodating an obstruction in the floor of a sump hole. A removable lid may facilitate access to the sump liner interior, and may contain a break-away feature to accommodate discharge piping, as well as a groove to lodge a pump power cord. The sump liner may be strategically oriented within the sump hole to protect the basement foundation from erosion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coin-roll storing machine which can reduce the dimension in the width direction and facilitate to ensure the installation space, as compared with those of a type including a plurality of coin-roll storing portions each adapted to put the coin-roll on the bottom face such that the axis of each coin-roll package extends in the horizontal width direction. In one aspect, a coin-roll storing machine 1 includes a storing main body 1a, and three coin-roll drawers 11, 12, 13, respectively provided such that they can be drawn out relative to the storing main body 1a. In the respective coin-roll drawers 11, 12, 13, a plurality of coin-roll storing portion 14 are provided, each for storing coin-roll B, with each axis of the coin-roll B being oriented in the vertical direction.

Abstract: Closing head for an automatic capping machine, including, a support movable along a vertical direction between a lifted position and a lowered position, a rotating shaft carried by said support, movable together with this latter along said vertical direction and rotatable with respect to the support around a vertical axis, a cap gripping member carried at the lower end of said rotating shaft, and a sleeve fixed with respect to said support and coaxial with respect to the rotating shaft, the sleeve forming, around a part of the rotating shaft, a sealed chamber containing a sanifying liquid.

Abstract: A manufacturing process and apparatus therefore are provided for processing an electronic device comprising oxidizable material during processing. The electronic device is located inside a chamber and is heated a processing temperature with a heater. A reductive atmosphere is created in the chamber by supplying a gas comprising glycolic acid vapor while processing the electronic device at the processing temperature.

Abstract: Screwing and rolling head for the application of pre-threaded caps on containers, comprising a first support, designed to be moved with a helical motion, a second support, which is mobile with respect to the first support in a longitudinal direction and is fixed in rotation with respect to the first support, a device for screwing caps, fixed in an axial direction with respect to the second support and rotatable with respect to the second support, a torque-limiter device, connected between the screwing device and the second support, and at least one oscillating arm, which carries a rolling element and is articulated to the second support about a transverse axis. The device for screwing caps comprises a gripper, which is mobile between an open position and a closed position and is designed to grip a cap along a side wall thereof, the movements of opening and closing of the gripper being controlled by a control rod, which is mobile in an axial direction.

Abstract: An elongate spike configuration of air filter for an automotive vehicle includes a cowl arranged to extend parallel to the ram air flow about the vehicle and resulting from movement of the vehicle at speed. The cowl is rotational and is power driven in rotation during operation of the vehicle such as to smooth ram air flow, reducing turbulence and excessive ram air pressure so as to improve running smoothness of the vehicle engine.

Abstract: A cyclonic separator assembly for a vacuum cleaner, the assembly including a first cyclonic separator for effecting a first stage of dust separation from the suction airflow of the cleaner, and at least one further cyclonic separator for further separation of dust from the air flow following the first separator, and a receptacle for separated dust, the receptacle including respective receiving portions for receiving dust separated by the first separator and the further separator(s), wherein the respective portions of the dust receptacle are able to be emptied separately from one another.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally include a contamination housing assembly and bag for use therein. In one embodiment, a contamination housing assembly includes a housing having an inlet, outlet, and access port. A bagging ring is coupled to the housing and circumscribes the port. A door is provided for covering the port. A bag indicator is coupled to at least one of the containment housing or door and is visible, when in a first position, from an exterior of the containment housing when the door substantially covers the bagging ring. In yet another embodiment, a bag for use with a containment housing is provided. The bag has an open end configured to engage with a bagging ring. The bag includes at least one of a strap or a RF readable tag.

Abstract: A disclosed laminated sheet includes a first mat containing first inorganic fibers and a second mat containing second inorganic fibers, the second mat being laminated on the first mat. The average fiber length of the first inorganic fibers is larger than the average fiber length of the second inorganic fibers. Development of cracks in the outer surface of the laminated sheet can be prevented by winding the laminated sheet around an exhaust gas processing unit such that the first mat faces outward.

Abstract: The papermaking sheet member includes inorganic fibers, and the inorganic fibers include a lump-shaped cohered fiber which coheres as a lump.

Abstract: A high temperature filter medium for use in a filtering operation comprising, a nonwoven fabric substrate having a physical structure and comprising a plurality of polymeric fibers, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of polymeric fibers comprise a base polymer and at least a portion of the plurality of polymeric fibers comprise a secondary polymer, and wherein the base polymer, the secondary polymer, or both bond at least a portion of the polymeric fibers together, the nonwoven fabric substrate being capable of retaining the physical structure at a filtering temperature greater than 135° C. A method for making a filter medium being capable of retaining the physical structure at a filtering temperature greater than 135° C.

Abstract: A foreign body detector for an agricultural harvester is provided having a sensing element which is fitted such that it is movable transversely to a direction of conveyance of the crop and which, during the harvesting operation, bears against the received crop. The foreign body detector has a position sensor set up to register the position of the sensing element, and an evaluation circuit, which can be operated to calculate, on the basis of the signals of the position sensor, information relating to the velocity and/or acceleration of the sensing element and, for the purpose of generating a signal value indicating the take-up of a foreign body, to make a comparison with a threshold value.

Abstract: A fence mower attached to an agricultural tractor having a 3 point hitch in which the fence mower is used for cutting and mowing vegetation under the lowest or closest horizontal rail of a fence line and to both sides of the fence line where a fence line is a series of vertical post secured in the ground and connected to one another by horizontal rails.

Abstract: A float arm load compensation system for a header of an agricultural harvester includes a header frame; a plurality of header float arms pivotally coupled to the header frame; a cutter bar fixed to forward ends of the plurality of header float arms; at least one conveyor belt supported on the plurality of header float arms and configured to traverse the header perpendicular to the direction of travel of the header, wherein the conveyor belt is further configured to receive crop material cut by the cutter bar; and a plurality of springs, wherein each spring is coupled to an associated header float arm of the plurality of header float arms to exert a force on the associated header float arm compensating for the weight of cut crop material supported by the associated header float arm.