Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry machine and a method for operating the same for removing wrinkles or the like from laundry by using high temperature and high humidity air instead of steam. The method for operating a laundry machine includes the steps of a course selecting step for selecting an operating course, and a high temperature and high humidity air supply step for supplying high temperature high humidity air to a drum from an air supply unit.

Abstract: A paper web drying apparatus is described as comprising a device for controlling an injection of air in a drying pocket of the drying apparatus. The web drying apparatus generally comprises at least three substantially axially parallel rotatable drying cylinders, first and third cylinders being vertically offset from a second cylinder and the web being consecutively trained thereover defining the pocket therebetween. The apparatus may define a traditional pocket, an offset pocket, or other such pocket configurations known in the art. The device comprises an elongated structure longitudinally mounted adjacent and substantially parallel to the first cylinder and between the first and the third cylinders.

Abstract: A drier apparatus for removing water from various materials includes a drying chamber, a regenerator system, a drying fluid system, and a heating fluid recirculation system and a method for use of the apparatus. The material to be dried flows concurrently through the drier with a heating fluid that is segregated from the material but in heat transfer relationship with the material. A drying fluid flows countercurrent through the chamber so as to become heated and at least partially saturated from moisture released by the material. The drying fluid is then used to preheat recycled heating fluid which is further heated by a makeup heater. In some embodiments, the drying fluid is also recycled to the chamber after passing through a chiller.

Abstract: A drying apparatus has a casing, a cavity formed in the casing for receiving an object, a fan located in the casing and creating an airflow, a motor provided in the casing for driving the fan and ducting for carrying the airflow from the fan to at least one opening arranged to emit the airflow into the cavity, wherein the ducting includes at least one air duct in which at least one vane is located, the vane extending in the direction of airflow and dividing the air duct into a plurality of airflow portions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved design and construction for Ballet Pointe Shoes using a box and shank that interlock in an over-under fashion, where the shank is designed with a cavity that allows varying rigidities along its length.

Abstract: A spring cushioned shoe is disclosed. The shoe includes a sole assembly that has a first encapsulating spring enclosure with spring disposed within a vacuity of the heel region and a second encapsulating spring enclosure with spring disposed within a vacuity of the toe region. The springs are, e.g., wave springs that extend to the upper and lower boundaries of the encapsulating spring enclosure.

Abstract: An impact absorbing flexible support system, comprising a plurality of fluid filled chambers disposed in a plurality of longitudinal rows and a plurality of lateral rows, forming a matrix of said fluid filled chambers and an article of footwear containing such a flexible support system. Each chamber is fluidly connected to at least two other fluid filled chambers and has a vertically tapered shape to provide flexibility of movement. The support system is made from air tight thermoplastic film and is inflatable. The support system may have one or more larger fluid filled chamber is disposed amongst said matrix of chambers.

Abstract: A children's shoe (1) for the stimulation of the plantar arches to the ends of the prevention or cure of flat foot, comprising a cushion-shaped element (6) having a sandwich-shaped construction, extending in correspondence of the internal portion (4) of the sole (3) of the shoe (1) and exhibiting a substantial elastic deformability during a subject's walking cycle.

Abstract: The shoe, has a shoe upper part and a sole. The sole has a supporting part, which is designed for receiving the heel region of the wearer's foot and is connected to the shoe upper part, and a sole element, which is connected to the supporting part. In order to improve the damping behavior of the shoe, the supporting part and the sole element are spaced apart from each other, in the longitudinal direction of the shoe. The connection between the supporting part and the sole element is preformed at two spaced-apart points in such a way as to form, under the heel region of the wearer's foot, a gap. The gap extends at least in portions over the entire width of the sole. The sole element, in the rear end region of the shoe, is connected to the supporting part.

Abstract: An outsole, especially for sports shoes, that can be formed with a large amount of elastic deformability even in the tangential direction towards the front and the back, enabling a good cushioning effect even when the tread of the foot is inclined and somewhat slipping. Beyond at least one critical deformation in the deformed region, the sole remains essentially rigid in relation to tangential deformation. In this way, the runner has a secure footing on the respective tread point. The runner can push off from the tread point without losing ground and a swimming effect on the sole is prevented. The elastic deformability of the sole also in the tangential direction is caused by at least one first element, and the rigidity of the sole in relation to tangential deformation beyond the at least one critical deformation, in addition to the degree of the at least one critical deformation in the deformed region is due to at least one second element.

Abstract: A shoe according to embodiments of the present invention includes an upper, a footbed including a wing that extends around at least a portion of a periphery of the footbed, with the upper attached to the wing, and an outsole configured to receive the upper and the footbed. The wing may be bendable away from the footbed to permit easy and sturdy stitching of the upper to the footbed. The wing may extend beyond a bottom surface of the footbed, and an intermediate piece may be placed under the footbed before the footbed and upper are attached to an outsole, such that the intermediate piece substantially fills the space between the footbed and the outsole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sports shoe (1), in particular an alpine ski shoe (2), with an adjusting means (3) for varying the stiffness of the sole system (4) as and when necessary. This adjusting means (3) comprises at least one profiled tension element (19) which remains essentially dimensionally stable when forces act on it and which is connected at its oppositely lying end portions to a front sole platform (10) on the one hand and to a rear sole platform (11) of the sole system (4) on the other hand, its middle portion extending freely between the front and the rear sole platform (10, 11). The tension element (19) is mounted so as to be relatively displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the sole system (4) in order to apply adjustable positioning forces relative to at least one sole platform (10, 11), and an individually adjustable tensing force can be expended between the front and the rear sole platform (10, 11) via the tension element (19).

Abstract: A waterproof and breathable sole for shoes, having a structure including a supporting layer which, at least in a preset macroportion, is made of net, felt or other diffusely perforated material. A membrane made of a material that is impermeable to water and permeable to water vapor is associated above the supporting layer at least in the at least one preset macroportion made of net, felt or other diffusely perforated material, which it covers. A tread made of plastic material, with at least one through macroperforation at the at least one preset macroportion made of net, felt or other diffusely perforated material, is joined hermetically to the membrane and to the supporting layer at least at the perimeter of the at least one macroportion made of net, felt or other diffusely perforated material.

Abstract: A shoe (10) created with the professional truck driver in mind has a lower assembly (12) and an upper assembly (14) provide an interior for a person's foot and a foot opening through which a person's foot can be inserted into and removed from the shoe interior. The shoe features an air exhaust system (20), a toe cover (24) having an air vent (68, 70, 72) that can be opened and closed, a mesh band (84) in the portion of the upper around the ankle, and a hook-type clasp system (94, 96) for the strap (92).

Abstract: A chute rotation system. The chute rotation system includes a chute, a handle assembly, and a drive assembly. The handle assembly includes a handle rotatable about a first axis and a second axis, and a bracket configured to inhibit movement of the handle about the first axis. The drive assembly is coupled to the handle assembly and includes a chute drive, a transverse gear, and a friction brake. The brake is configured to prevent movement of the chute, as a result of friction, when the friction brake is engaged with the chute drive.

Abstract: The connector pin assembly releasably retains telescoped excavating support and wear members in their telescoped relationship. The connector pin assembly is removably received in aligned connector openings in the members. A body portion of the assembly blocks removal of the wear member from the support member, and a lock member portion of the assembly is rotatable relative to the body, toward and away from a locking orientation, to releasably lock the body within the connector openings. A resilient sleeve having non-circular interior and exterior surfaces with rounded corners is non-slippably disposed over a rotatable shaft of the lock member in order to slidingly and deformably engage a non-circular shaped interior cavity of the body that rotatably receives shaft and sleeve of the lock member. The sleeve yieldingly resists rotational movement of the lock member away from a locking orientation.

Abstract: A clothes iron comprises a body (2) and a sole plate (3). The body (2) is supported on the sole plate (3) by means of laterally resilient springs (4). The springs permit sideways movement of the sole plate (3) relative to the body (2). A motor (8) has a shaft (9) that carries an eccentric portion (10) which is received within a socket provided in the upper face of the sole plate. Thus, operation of the motor will cause the sole plate to execute orbital oscillatory motion relative to the body, in the plane of the face of the sole plate.

Abstract: The invention concerns an ironing apparatus comprising a steam generator connected to an iron (2) by a first cord (20), characterized in that said steam generator is connected to a travel steamer (3) by a second cord (30) mounted on a reel (4).

Abstract: A collapsible ironing board comprising a board arranged on two legs (1, 2) forming an X configuration, the center of the X constituting the central axis (C) about which the two legs (1, 2) can pivot; at least one (2) of the two legs being hinged and consisting of two continuous segments pivoting about a hinge axis (D), which ironing board is characterized in that it includes return means (R) located in the environment of the hinge axis (D), said return means (R) comprising a first end and a second end connected to the first segment and to the second segment, respectively, of the hinged leg (2).

Abstract: A system optionally attaches non-reversible, interchangeable fabric, leather, vinyl or other natural or synthetic covering material logo (or advertisement, signage or art) panels to one or more items, such as articles of furniture or personal gear including clothing, sports equipment, and memorabilia frames. The items may include upholstered or non-upholstered sports stadium chairs or other soft-covered items such as leather jackets or golf bags without detracting from their appearance, even if the panel is removed. The panels can also be applied to vehicle seats, public furniture, office furniture, water coolers, or other domestic furniture. The attachment is inconspicuous and hidden from view. Such a logo panel can also cover an area emblazoned with a permanent different logo. These panels can be embroidered sports memorabilia with spaces for actual team member signatures or performer autographs, or they can be corporate logos or promotional advertising panels.

Abstract: A system optionally attaches non-reversible, interchangeable fabric, leather, vinyl or other natural or synthetic covering material logo (or advertisement, signage or art) panels to one or more items, such as articles of furniture or personal gear including clothing, sports equipment, and memorabilia frames. The items may include upholstered or non-upholstered sports stadium chairs or other soft-covered items such as leather jackets or golf bags without detracting from their appearance, even if the panel is removed. The panels can also be applied to vehicle seats, public furniture, office furniture, water coolers, or other domestic furniture. The attachment is inconspicuous and hidden from view. Such a logo panel can also cover an area emblazoned with a permanent different logo. These panels can be embroidered sports memorabilia with spaces for actual team member signatures or performer autographs, or they can be corporate logos or promotional advertising panels.

Abstract: A display for printed materials includes a pocket mounting panel having a plurality of indexing holes, which may be arranged in columns and rows, and a plurality of pockets adapted to receive printed materials. The pockets include at least one rearwardly extending pocket engaging clip having a resiliently deformable member that is adapted to be received by an indexing hole. Pockets may be installed in a vertically cascading arrangement and individual pockets may be removed from the pocket mounting panel without removing adjacent installed pockets by manually engaging and deforming the resiliently deformable member(s) of the target pocket through access windows provided in the rear panels of the pockets.

Abstract: A greeting label for placement over the original label of a bottle, such as a bottle of wine or champagne. The label typically has an adhesive on the back face and indicia such as a greeting and a decorative design on the front face. A removable panel typically is adhered to the back face prior to use and then removed so that the adhesive is exposed prior to applying the label to the bottle. The greeting label may be pre-packaged as a kit, and can include a plurality of decorative labels for placing on the bottle.

Abstract: A rotatable display box comprising, a signage body and mount to engage this to a fixed structure in a manner to allow the signage body to be rotatable about an axis of rotation and relative to said fixed structure. The signage body includes at least two display sides. A cam and the other is a cam follower are included. The cam has a surface including a number of cam surface depressions corresponding to the number of regions at or from which signage is or can be presented, said cam surface depressions located at intervals about said axis or rotation corresponding to the number of display sides of the signage box to which said rotation is to be biased to. The biasing to such locations is encouraged by the biasing of said cam follower towards the cam surface of said cam.

Abstract: A device for displaying a disabled parking permit includes a partially rounded housing with a flat fascia with a hook for hanging the device from a rear view mirror of an automobile. The disabled parking permit is required on opposite faces of a flexible sheet that is wound onto a spring loaded roll in order to contain it within the housing while driving. And this housing must not hang any lower than one and a quarter inch below the mirror. The placard can be pulled down from a slot opening on the bottom of the housing to a fully extended positioning order to display the disabled parking permit in a manner that allows visibility from both the front and the rear of the handicap persons automobile when the vehicle is parked. The placard must be retracted and rolled up within the housing, onto the spring-loaded roll, to avoid obstruction of view while driving. The width, length, colors, and indicia all being factors that must meet stringent municipal requirements.

Abstract: An illuminable sign (20) has a base (22); a trough (24) having a configuration C formed in the base (22); a light dispensing medium (26) having the configuration C fitted in the trough (24) and including a pair of light-entering ports (28, 30); a light generator (32) fixed in operative relation between the pair of light-entering ports (28, 30), the light generator (32) including at least one light source (34); and a cover (36) fitted to the base.

Abstract: A media display system and method is provided. The media display system comprising a two wheeled base configured for a operator to stand on; a steering column operatively connected to said base; a display means for a user standing on said base to hold and steer, said display mean allowing messages to be displayed; a handle operatively connected to said display means; and at least one wheel operatively connected to said media display such that said media display system can move 365 degrees.

Abstract: There is provided a knock down signpost comprising a post member (6) and a lower body member (10) held together by a spring (3) having a preload when the post is vertical, acting two flat surfaces (8) creating an initial resistance to motion off the horizontal. Two steel cables (114) transmit the force of the spring and are spaced apart which allows the cables to act as a non rotation mechanism. Two round protrusions (16) in the post member (6) locate into two matching clearance holes (14) in the lower body for post alignment. A shock tube (4) is fitted over the cable and internal to the spring to prevent over compression and provides a mechanical stop. As the top assembly is rotated chamfered edges (15) of the post member (6) engage and interlock into an annular groove (13) to act as a pseudo-hinge.

Abstract: A collapsible portable structure employs elongate side panels of a generally triangular shape, each formed by a flexible frame member within a retaining sleeve and fabric within an interior of the frame member. The elongate side panels thus form a pyramidal structure when in a non-collapsed position, the structure having an overall height that is greater than the width of any of the side panels at their widest point. Weights preferably at corner panels between bottom corners of adjacent side panels improve stability for outdoor use. The structure collapses into a substantially cylindrical shape.

Abstract: A holder for clamping flexible sheet material includes an extruded plastic, elongated channel member having a base wall having two ends. The base wall is connected at one of the ends to a relatively short, upstanding forward leg having an inner face forming a bearing surface. The forward leg has a free upper end, and the base wall is connected at the other of the ends thereof to a relatively long, upstanding rearward leg having an upper end, and a top wall is joined to the upper end of the rearward leg. The top wall extends down behind the forward leg and has a free end which resiliently engages the bearing surface of the forward leg and it also has a crease or bend line spaced apart from the upper edge of the forward leg so as to define a wedge-shaped opening therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable frame system, and more particularly to an adjustable photo frame system.

Abstract: New and unique improvements of prior known M4/M16 firearms are disclosed that comprise (A) a bolt which, in addition to all of the normal M4/M16 features is configured or reconfigured to accept a bridged extractor spring which straddles the firing pin and presses against the bottom of the extractor with the bridging wire, and (B) a bridged extractor spring which is a single part, wound with dual spaced helical coils connected with a bridge wire that maintains the spacing at the top of the spring. The bridge wire preferably crosses diagonally between and is tangent to both coils.

Abstract: An accessory mount for a firearm includes a base and an accessory receiver adapted for rotation about an adjustment axis with respect to the base. According to one embodiment, the base is received onto a mounting rail secured to the firearm and includes first and second portions removably attached to each other by a fastener to facilitate attachment of the base to the mounting rail. According to one embodiment, a pin is received by the base and by spaced support members of the accessory receiver to provide a rotatable connection. A locking mechanism locks the accessory receiver against relative rotation with respect to the base in one of a plurality of angular positions.

Abstract: To sight-In a gun—especially a rifle (10)—it has to be held in the same position while it is fired at least twice, the gunsight (14) being adjusted after the first shot so that the gun sight shows the gun aimed at the point of impact of the first shot on the target. Apparatus to hold the gun while sighting-in is performed has a base (16) on which an elogate support frame (40) is mounted. The support frame (40) carries a rear stock clamping arrangement, with which clamping members (21) firmly hold the rear stock (11) of the gun. A gun barrel (13) or front stock (12) locating arrangement (30,31,32,34,37,39), also carried by the support frame, ensures that the front stock (or barrel) of the gun can be repositioned (if it has not been clamped) in the same position after a shot has been fired. Mounting blocks (115, 116) clamped to the base (16) include means to make fine adjustments of the lateral pointing of the gun.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for determining a proper firearm fit for a user. In an embodiment, a firearm alignment device is disclosed. The firearm alignment device comprises a reflective surface and an opening. In addition, the firearm alignment device includes a band. The band may be horizontally disposed on the reflective surface.

Abstract: A device to provide waddle and feeding movement for a decoy may include a stake member to support the device and an arm member connected to the stake member to limit the movement of the decoy. The decoy may rotate in response to wind, and an interior of the decoy may cooperate with the arm member to limit the movement of the decoy. The device may include a top sleeve member to cover a portion of the stake member and the top sleeve member may be decorated to mimic the decoy. The device may include a stabilizing member to limit the vertical movement of the decoy but not prevent realistic vertical feeding motion. The stabilizing member may rotate to provide waddle movement for the decoy. The stabilizing member may be a disk, and the arm member may include an arm stabilizing sleeve member. The arm stabilizing sleeve member may be formed from flexible material, or the arm stabilizing sleeve member may be formed from a cushioning material.

Abstract: An artificial bait for fishing with a flexible appendage (28,28?) which is made of soft plastic or other resilient material and it is either formed or interchangeably fitted on a radial bearing (27, 27?) rotatably mounted on a shaft (25, 25?, 25?, 23?).

Abstract: A fish hook formed at least in part of a composite material comprising: an amorphous metal alloy forming a substantially continuous matrix; and a second ductile metal phase embedded in the matrix and formed in situ in the matrix by crystallization from a molten alloy. A method of making a fish hook. A method of fishing.

Abstract: A float may be used as a strike indicator for fly fishing and may be attached without hooks, clamps, grommets, rubbery gripping members, or tying of the line/leader. Instead, the float is attached by friction/interference fit onto a line or leader, preferably by sliding the float up the leader to a thicker-diameter portion of the leader to cause a sufficiently tight fit between the leader and an axial bore in the float. The bore may be tapered in diameter, may have a constant diameter, may have a significantly reduced or tapered diameter or another restriction in a portion(s) of the bore, and/or may have an enlarged end opening, for example. A slot may be provided from the outer surface of the float to the bore. The slot may be a straight slot, a Z-shaped slot, or other circuitous slot including curved, non-planar slots. This way, in addition to the friction/interference between the leader and the surface of the axial bore through the float, there is resistance to the leader sliding out through the slot.

Abstract: A method of converting agricultural waste to a fuel comprising adding about 5% to about 90% agricultural waste to about 10% to about 95% reaction solution of water and alcohol. The reaction solution ranges from about 100% alcohol to about 100% water. The reactants are subjected to a heat of about 230° C. to about 370° C. under a pressure of about atmospheric to about 3000 psig for three minutes or more. Another embodiment of the method of converting agricultural waste to a fuel further adds about 0.5% to about 15% of an oxidizing agent to the reactants. A further embodiment of the method of converting agricultural waste to a fuel adds about 10% to about 50% by weight of diesel fuel to the reactants.

Abstract: A process for converting feedstock into liquid hydrocarbon fuel condensate includes the steps of providing an unconventional feedstock for producing liquid hydrocarbon fuel, providing a heated heat transfer medium flowing through at least one thermal reaction zone under substantially carbon rejection process conditions and placing the feedstock onto the heated heat transfer medium flow so that the feedstock substantially rides on the flow surface of the heated heat transfer medium without substantially any mixing of the feedstock with the heat transfer medium, vaporizing at least a portion of the feedstock to form vapours while the feedstock is in the thermal reaction zones by heat transfer to the feedstock from the heat transfer medium and condensing the vapours into a liquid hydrocarbon fuel condensate.

Abstract: Fuels containing biodiesel, petroleum distillates, or blends of these may be treated by the addition of small amounts of one or more alkanolamines according to formula (I) Rn—N(CH2CHR1OH)3-n ; ??(I) wherein n is 1 or 2, R1 is H or CH3, and each R is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and branched, linear, and cyclic C3-C24 alkyl groups, provided that at least one R is not hydrogen. Fuels treated in this manner may be less corrosive toward metals with which they are in contact.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the production of biodiesel are provided. The methods involve converting a fatty acid rich material to biodiesel using a homogeneous catalyst, followed by electrodialysis of the resulting product to remove the catalyst.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the receiving/delivering of pot plants. For the receiving of pot plants from a floor, it is proposed to utilize a fork-like construction wherein each fork is provided with conveying elements. These conveying elements consist of one or two worms which protrude slightly beyond the free end of carriers carrying the conveying elements and are configured so as to taper, for example conically, toward the end. This allows rows of pot plants to be received in a secure manner. Attaching preferably two worms, one above the other, positions the pot plants in a particularly stable manner, as a result of which crops having a high centre of gravity can easily be received without the risk of falling over. The apparatus allows the crops to be positioned next to one another or moved closer together during delivery.

Abstract: A flexible sleeve disposable about at least a portion of a flower pot or floral grouping is formed of a flexible polymeric material having at least a portion of one surface thereof modified to provide a textured or matte finish to the flexible sleeve. The flexible sleeve may also be provided with perforations at preselected areas for removing an upper portion of the flexible sleeve from a lower portion thereof. Methods for wrapping a floral grouping or packaging a plant using the flexible sleeve are also described.

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 or protrusions are formed in or on 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 or protrusions formed in each shaft segment. Preferably, the grooves or protrusions are formed at more than one angle relative to the top and bottom of each shaft segment and, preferably, include horizontal grooves or protrusions as well as angular grooves.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aggregated body of vessels for plant food, in which a plurality of plant food vessels (1) is processed to be connected to each other, so that the resultant aggregated body (100) facilitates packing and storage of the plant food vessels, reduces distribution cost, can be produced at mass production volumes with high productivity, and allows a user to easily manage and use the plant food vessels after purchase. The aggregated body includes a plurality of the plant food vessels connected to each other, each plant food vessel including a main body (10), a tapered outlet (20) provided at an upper end portion of the main body, and a cover (30) provided on the top of the tapered outlet. The connection between the plant food vessels is made with connection strips through a blowing method, and thus the connection is easily broken.

Abstract: The invention relates to a substrate for a soil-free cultivating or growing of plants. The substrate comprises slab (2) of fibrous material. Further quantification means (5) are provided. The quantification means allow for essentially non-destructive visualisation and/or monitoring of plant development. Thus plant growth, especially root growth can be monitored, where such monitoring no longer requires the sacrifice of any plants.

Abstract: The inventive vegetated wall includes supports arranged on a wall to be covered or at a small distance therefrom, an integrated irrigation system and a plurality of open mesh baskets which are provided with a vegetable culture substrate arranged therein and which are removably associated with the supports in such a way that the baskets are enabled to be displaceable.

Abstract: Plant support consisting of a base and a spiral, fitted rotatably thereon and extending vertically. This spiral is made for accommodating therein the main stem of a plant, such as pepper, cucumber, aubergine or tomato. Branches of the plant extend outwards to beyond the spiral. In the spiral is a stationary post. If the plant has reached the top of the spiral, the spiral is rotated with respect to the base such that the plant shifts downwards without rotating. The plant can subsequently continue to grow upwards again. A number of plant supports of this type can be combined with a common drive.