Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for reducing the VOC, CO, and, alternatively, the NOx content of dryer offgas that is discharged into the atmosphere from a moist organic product drying process using thermal oxidizing apparatus that includes a burner, furnace, mixing chamber, thermal oxidizer, tempering chamber, and an indirect gas-to-gas heat exchanger. The dryer offgas is separated into two portions, with a larger portion being preheated by indirect heat exchange with the hot gaseous output from the thermal oxidizer. The non-preheated portion is directed to the burner in the function of flue gas recycle for NOx control. The preheated portion is separated into two portions, with one portion being directed to the furnace/mixing chamber of the thermal oxidizing apparatus. The other portion of the preheated offgas is recycled to the hot gas inlet of the dryer and serves the function of dryer heat transfer media.

Abstract: An overshoe for fashion wear, but which is hardwearing and inexpensive to manufacture, has an upper, part (4) and a sole part (7), the sole part being bonded to the upper part. The upper part fits closely over the upper, sole, instep and heel of a shoe and includes a first inner side panel (8), a second outer side panel (10), and a base panel (50), the side panels and base panel being formed of a transparent or translucent PVC based material that has flexibility and resilience. The side panels and base section are secured together along adjacent edges to define the overshoe, including a heel part. A releasable zip fastener (30) permits the overshoe, to be pulled over a shoe. When the zip fastener is closed, the overshoe fit's snugly over the shoe.

Abstract: A footwear article is formed by providing at least one spent automobile tire having a tread, separating a portion of the tread of the tire, trimming the separated portion into the general shape of a foot and securing the separated portion to a top sole portion. The bottom sole portion of the footwear article has a generally, non-uniform thickness and irregular pattern. The bottom sole portion can fixer have elements of a scrub pattern indicator element, a tie bar indicator and/or a ply fragment visible on an outer edge thereof.

Abstract: A shoe sole for a shoe comprises: an air chamber formed of a resilient material and defining an inner space for receiving air therein; an air valve coupled to the air chamber; and a sole member formed of a resilient material and coupled with the air chamber, the sole member enclosing a substantially entire outer surface of the air chamber except some portions of the air chamber and the air valve such that a wearer of the shoe can selectively open and close the air valve to adjust an air pressure of the air chamber, and thus, to adjust an air cushioning degree of the shoe. The air chamber can include a grooved structure on the generally planar upper and lower surfaces and on side surfaces thereof, and one or more through-holes formed through the upper and lower surfaces of the chamber, and the sole member is filled in the through-holes.

Abstract: A sole component and a method of manufacturing the sole component are disclosed. In general, the sole component includes a fluid-filled bladder and a reinforcing structure extending around the bladder. The reinforcing structure is bonded to the exterior of the bladder, and may be recessed into the bladder. In some embodiments, the reinforcing structure extends along the side surfaces of the bladder and between upper and lower surfaces of bladder. In manufacturing the sole component, the reinforcing structure may be located within a mold, and the polymer material forming the bladder may be bonded to the reinforcing structure during the molding process.

Abstract: An insole cushion for a shoe and a composite food-bed for a shoe and shoe including a gel pad having a mesh segment cast or formed integrally with the gel pad, that extending beyond at least one peripheral edge of the gel pad. The composite food-bed includes upper and lower foot-bed members with an insole cushion including a gel pad having a mesh segment integral to the gel pad. The get pad is disposed and affixed between the upper and lower foot-bed members and the mesh segment that extends beyond the peripheral edge of the gel pad is affixed between the upper and lower foot-bed members beyond the peripheral edge of the get pad.

Abstract: An accident prevention insole includes a base surface (2) and a top surface (3) opposite to the base surface (2). The accident prevention insole (1) consists of a multilayer fabric (4) which can be crossed-through from the base surface (2) to the top surface (3) and vice versa by needles with a diameter lower than 14 tenths of millimetres perpendicularly driven to the insole with a load of at least 90 N, for directly sewing the insole to an upper (101) of a footwear (100), preferably with a Strobel technique.

Abstract: A shoe provided with an interchangeable sole includes an elevated flange (5) arranged on the longitudinal edge between the front (1?) and rear (1?) ends thereof and the interchangeable sole (4) is also provided with a longitudinal elevated flange (6) extending between the front (4?) and rear (4?) ends of the interchangeable sole (4) on the opposite side in an operating position with respect to the longitudinal flange of the shoe. The longitudinal flange (5) of the shoe and the longitudinal elevated flange (6) of the interchangeable sole (4) interact by shape with the corresponding edge of the interchangeable sole (4) of the shoe in the operating position which is maintained by quick-operating fixing devices (7). The invention is particularly usable for shoe articles, in particular for sports shoes.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed. The article of footwear includes an outsole with a circular tread pattern. The circular tread pattern provides sufficient traction in all directions but also allows the wearer to pivot about a pivot portion. The circular tread pattern is generally large, and in some cases, the first and smallest circular tread extends less than 360 degrees. The pivot portion can include a slot that aids in flexibility. The outsole can also include a different tread pattern for the heel portion, or the circular tread pattern may also extend into the heel portion.

Abstract: A shoe having enhanced flexibility is disclosed, wherein there is a reduction in the stiffness of the shoe in proximity to the flexline. The shoe has a shortened innersole and a reduction in innersole stiffening material toward the toe end of the shoe. The innersole may include cutouts that reduce the stiffness of the innersole in proximity to the flexline. A method of manufacturing such shoes is also disclosed.

Abstract: Connecting member for a sports boot closure and tightening device (4), comprising a base (25, 35) adapted to be fixed on the surface of the sports boot and a connecting element (31, 37) adapted for cooperation with a second connecting member, wherein the connecting element (31, 37) has a geometry such that its tangent (c, d; c?) to the zone where it connects with a second connecting element of the second connecting member is not perpendicular to the closure direction of the connecting member in the configuration in which it closes and tightens the sports boot.

Abstract: A replaceable shoe cleat is provided having a receptacle element and a detachable cleat element. The receptacle element is adapted to be located within a sole of a shoe. The receptacle element has at least one detent receiving portion. The detachable cleat element is capable of insertion into the receptacle element. The detachable cleat element has a frame with at least one resilient detent portion. The cleat element has a movable lock element coupled with and movable relative to the frame. The resilient detent portion is adapted to enter the at least one detent receiving portion when the cleat element is located in the receptacle element. The movable lock element is movable relative to the frame to lock the at least one resilient detent portion relative to the frame.

Abstract: A universal front and rear equipment mount for an ATV includes a telescoping central frame member with telescoping front and rear mounting arms extending therefrom for connection to independent axle structures of the ATV, front and rear angled hitch brackets, each with upturned tabs having aligned holes to receive a hitch pin, and front and rear angled pulley brackets having pulleys mounted thereon for routing a winch cable of a winch mounted either on the front or rear of the vehicle or on the front or rear pulley brackets. An implement can be hitched either to the front or rear hitch bracket, and the implement can be raised or lowered by use of the winch, which has its cable routed over selected pulleys and connected to a hitch tongue or other part of the implement.

Abstract: The left and right sideblades are hinged to the mainblade about vertical axes, and can pivot each through 180°. The sideblades are rotated by means of left and right hydraulic rotary actuators. The actuator includes a piston formed with helical splines, which drive a rotor sleeve of the actuator to rotate in a single-plane-circle when the piston is driven axially. The journal bearings in the rotary actuator are supplemented by bearings provided in a coaxial lower hinge, which are of much greater journal capacity than the bearings in the rotary actuators. The lower hinge protects the hydraulic rotary actuator from shocks due to the sideblade impacting against a kerb.

Abstract: The left and right sideblades are hinged to the mainblade about vertical axes, and can pivot each through 180°. The sideblades are rotated by means of left and right hydraulic rotary actuators. The actuator includes a piston formed with helical splines, which drive a rotor sleeve of the actuator to rotate in a single-plane-circle when the piston is driven axially. The journal bearings in the rotary actuator are supplemented by bearings provided in a coaxial lower hinge, which are of much greater journal capacity than the bearings in the rotary actuators. The lower hinge protects the hydraulic rotary actuator from shocks due to the sideblade impacting against a kerb, A wheel-protection link blocks the sideblade from contacting the wheel of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vibration damping device capable of maintaining high vibration damping effect, and a bucket for a construction machine. The vibration damping device has a laminated plate (20) having at least its inner region fixed in a noise-emitting base material (11), the inner region being a region (G) other then a region which becomes a loop in a vibration mode when the base material (11) is vibrated in a vibration mode with a predetermined frequency.

Abstract: A cleaning wipe container includes a bottom panel, a front panel, a rear panel, a pair of side panels and a lid. The cleaning wipe container may be filled with a plurality of cleaning wipes that are contained in a cartridge. The container also includes a slidably engaged window that cooperatively interacts with the cartridge to display a message on or through a portion of a panel of the container. The message is based on the wipes in the cartridge and may include a type of wipe, a list of ingredients of the wipes, and/or instructions for using the wipes.

Abstract: An animal ear tag includes a tag body and a locking insert, wherein once the locking insert is placed within the boss of a receptacle of the body of the ear tag, the insert is not easily dislodged therefrom. In addition, the present invention relates to an animal ear tag and locking insert wherein the locking insert prevents separation of the locking components of the animal ear tag once the ear tag is installed on an animal, thereby inhibiting loss of the ear tag.

Abstract: The invention teaches a tumble marker indicator for golf club protector, comprising an enclosure having a marker display window and a connective device to engage with the golf club protector; a rotation wheel that can be rotated intermittently and a rotating shaft engaged with the rotation wheel are set inside of the enclosure; a tumbling apparatus connected to the rotation wheel is set at one side of the rotation wheel; a non-return apparatus to avoid the back rotation of the rotation wheel is set at the other side of the rotation wheel; and a plurality of different markers distributed along the circumferential direction of the rotation wheel, which can be displayed orderly through the marker display window on the enclosure when rotating the rotation wheel intermittently.

Abstract: An LED light display cabinet include a fan mounted in the interior of a cabinet housing. The fan draws air into the housing via one or more outside air inlets, and exhausts it to atmosphere via a chamber. A chamber is formed adjacent the rear door of cabinet and includes an opening in communication with the fan outlet and includes second air inlets, and baffles. The chamber permits outside air to be drawn into the chamber to cool the interior of the cabinet and exhausted out the rear of the cabinet. If the fan does not operate, air can still be drawn through the chamber for cabinet cooling.

Abstract: The invention teaches a tumble-type display device for golf club protector, comprising an enclosure having a connective member to connect with the golf club protector; said enclosure comprising a front cover having a marker display window set thereon and a back cover; a disk capable of rotating intermittently and a tumbling apparatus and a non-return apparatus acting on said disk disposed inside of said enclosure; and a plurality of markers marked and distributed along the circumferential direction of the disk. When rotating the disk intermittently, the different markers are displayed orderly through the marker display window, and only one marker is displayed at one time.

Abstract: A device, and method of manufacture therefor, for removable attachment of cards or labels to a structure, such as a file cabinet, that allows for improved ease of use, especially during removal of a card or label from the device for alteration or replacement, comprising a magnetic sheet and at least one transparent sheet attached to a front surface thereof to form a pocket between the magnetic sheet and the transparent sheet for receiving the label or card.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved multiple piece grip safety for handguns. The safety comprises a fixed main body and two interfacing pivoting members, pivoting about the top and bottom of the grip respectively. The two interfacing pivoting members counteract each other to prevent accidental disengagement of the safety while also providing a more efficient purposeful disengagement.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of canting firearms such as rifles relative to fore grip having extendable and expanded legs. One version allows for a rocking and canting of the firearm by pivotally attaching an upper portion of the expanded legs. Another version allows for a separate canting member to be clamped to both the upper portion of a vertical fore grip and to the lower mounting rail of the firearm. The canting member has portions that cant (move to the left or to the right) relative to one another. An operator can cant the firearm in a free-state or to fixed positions as desired.

Abstract: A flintlock muzzleloader cover is formed from a generally rectangular piece of material preferably water resistant leather. The material has a first half and a second half and folds on a central fold. The material has a first pleat portion on one side of the central fold and a second pleat portion on an opposite side of the fold. A first tie portion extends from the first half and a second tie portion extends from the second half to allow the cover to be tied onto a flintlock muzzleloader. A securing device preferably in the form of antiqued brass rivets are used for securing the pleat portions to the first half and second half in a folded condition. The pleats are angled to form a pocket to receive the firing mechanism and to direct water through channels created by the folds downwardly away from the central fold and the firing mechanism. The central fold rests on top of a firing mechanism when the cover is in use.

Abstract: A waterfowl decoy for positioning at the surface of a body water, the waterfowl decoy comprising: a waterfowl decoy body, with a head and neck region, a front breast perimeter and a bottom surface; a drivetrain arranged generally orthogonally to the bottom surface of the waterfowl decoy body, the drivetrain comprising: an electric motor located generally in the head and neck region of the waterfowl decoy body; an output shaft in operable communication with the electrical motor; a disc shaped paddle in communication with the output shaft, the disc shaped paddle arranged generally parallel to the bottom surface of the waterfowl decoy bottom; a keel attached to the bottom of the waterfowl decoy body; a battery located within the keel, and in communication with the electric motor; and a central processing unit located with in the keel, and in operable communication with the battery and signal communication with the electric motor.

Abstract: A customized fishing lure system having a lip, leading portion, trailing portion, body portion, a hook and connection mechanism. The lip being adapted to provide resistance when said fishing lure is moved within water. The leading portion being positioned towards the leading portion of said fishing lure. The trailing portion being positioned towards the trailing portion of said fishing lure. The body portion being positioned between said leading portion and said trailing portion. The hook being attached to said fishing lure. The first connection mechanism adapted to releasably engage said lip to said leading portion. A plurality of packaging and marketing embodiments intended to accentuate the benefits of the present invention.

Abstract: A fishing jig head to be molded with or inserted thereinto a hook thereby form a fishing jig, includes a body, a ring attached on the body, and plate(s) or prong(s) which is shaped and positioned to prevent the fishing jig from landing flat on a bottom of water after the fishing jig is cast into the water. A fishing jig includes the fishing jig head, a hook molded with or inserted into the jig head, and optionally at least one of a weedgurad, a skirt, and a trailer.

Abstract: A fishing apparatus includes a fishing tackle container having flotation elements and at least one racking member adapted to store a plurality of long-line fishing lines separately.

Abstract: A method of detecting and exterminating rodents can include collecting geographical data of underground rodent tunnels and nests within a defined geographical region. Additionally, the method can include processing the geographical data, and presenting the data in a form sufficient to allow an operator to identify a location of the underground rodent tunnels and nests. A method of detecting and exterminating rodents also can include exterminating rodents dwelling in the underground tunnels and nests. A system of detecting and exterminating rodents includes a substantially above-ground surveyor which can generate data of underground rodent tunnels and nests, and a data processor which can receive, store, interpret and present the data generated by the surveyor. Additionally, the system can also include an exterminating device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a natural method for controlling bark beetle populations by controlling the predators of bark beetle. Said method comprises aggregating bark beetle predators in the natural environment of the bark beetles by applying a chemical attractant effecting attraction of predators of the bark beetles to be controlled in those locations where a control of the bark beetle population is desired.

Abstract: A mechanized exterminator and several embodiments thereof are presented. A support disc with rollers attached rotates when power is applied causing rollers to roll over a base. The operation of the of the exterminator disturbs the insects causing them to enter the exterminator where the rollers will crush them. Solar, battery and/or wind power can be used to power the exterminator. The exterminator is cost-effective and environmentally safe. The exterminator severely impacts the strength and health of the colony minimizing its ability to reproduce.

Abstract: To efficiently obtain a liquid fuel containing no sulfur and having good cold flow properties by hydrotreating heavy wax generated by the Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis to perform cracking with the gasification rate restrained and also increase an isomerization reaction which occurs at the same time. A method for producing a hydrocarbon fuel oil, in which heavy wax generated by the FT synthesis is hydrotreated with a catalyst of the platinum group using zeolite or silica-alumina as a support under specific reaction conditions corresponding to the kind of the support, thereby performing cracking and an isomerization reaction.

Abstract: A diesel fuel composition comprising diesel fuel, triglycerides of vegetable origin and an oxygenate material exhibits good engine emissions, improved lubricity and no deterioration in engine performance.

Abstract: The invention provides methods to efficiently reduce the water concentration of raw solid fuels, including low rank coals such as brown coal, lignite, subbituminous coal, and other carbonaceous solids. Efficiently drying these materials at low temperatures significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and allows the production of low-rank coals for gasification and liquifaction.

Abstract: A container liner comprising a backing, a porous covering, a seed carrier interposed between the backing and the covering, and a plurality of seeds embedded in the seed carrier such that upon germination the seeds will sprout through the porous covering to form a soft, natural, protective cushion for objects, such as candies or Easter eggs. The container liner is sufficiently flexible so that the container liner can be easily manipulated to substantially conform to the interior contour of the container.

Abstract: A gardening system includes a modular seed cartridge including a rigid, cup-shaped receptacle including an upper portion having an outer rim, a soilless growth medium located in the rigid, cup-shaped receptacle, and at least one seed in contact with the soilless growth medium. The gardening system also includes an aeroponic or hydroponic garden including a chamber including a lower portion for storing a liquid nutrient solution, a cover located above the chamber, the cover including a plant opening adapted to removably support the modular seed cartridge by the outer rim, and a pump located in the chamber and adapted to circulate the liquid nutrient solution from the lower portion of the chamber to the modular seed cartridge supported by the plant opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for planting seeds and growing plants comprises a base member housing one or more planting tubes and an extraction rod. In use soil is placed in a planting tube with seedling thereby creating a potting medium. When the seedling grows to a desired size the planting tube is removed from the base member and placed over the extraction rod wherein it is gently pushed downward over the extraction rod thereby removing the potting medium and seedling from the planting tube for transplantation.

Abstract: A sowing vessel and pot for seedlings and plants, characterized in that said sowing vessel and pot are made of a fully biodegradable material.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a naturally degradable green flowerpot and its making process. The green flowerpot includes crushed plant fiber, adhesive agent and lubricant. The adhesive agent comprises oxidized starch and one or more selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polycaprolactone (PCL), and amino resin. The making process thereof includes the following steps: crushing plant fiber, mixing, adding lubricant and water, stirring, molding to form, polishing and drilling holes. The green flower pot can naturally degrade, has the advantages of low production cost and is suitable for planting various flowers especially in large mechanized plantation.

Abstract: Sheets of material having a first printed pattern or color disposed on or visible through an upper surface thereof and a second printed pattern or color disposed on or visible through a lower surface thereof are disclosed, as well as methods for producing same. Such sheets of material may be employed to provide a decorative cover for a floral grouping or a decorative cover for a flower pot; or to form a preformed flower pot cover for covering a flower pot; or to provide a sleeve for wrapping or covering a floral grouping or a flower pot; or to provide a ribbon material. The sheets of material of the present invention may be constructed of a single layer of material or multiple layers of material.

Abstract: Feedstock delivery systems and hydrogen-producing fuel processing assemblies and fuel cell systems containing the same. The feedstock delivery systems include a liquid pump that draws at least one liquid feedstock from a supply and delivers at least one feed stream containing the feedstock(s) to a fuel processor, such as to the hydrogen-producing region thereof. The feedstock delivery system further includes a recycle conduit that establishes a fluid flow path for the liquid feedstock(s) from a location downstream of the pump back to a location upstream of the pump. In some embodiments, the feedstock delivery system further includes a flow restrictor associated with the recycle conduit and a pressure-actuated valve that selectively permits the recycled feedstock to bypass the flow restrictor. In some embodiments, the pump is configured to draw a greater flow rate of the feed stream from the supply than is delivered to the fuel processor.

Abstract: Gasification reactor vessel, comprising a combustion chamber in the upper half of the vessel, provided with a product gas outlet at the bottom end of the combustion chamber, a burner positioned such that, in use, it fires into the combustion chamber, said burner provided with at least supply conduits for an oxidiser gas and a carbonaceous feed, wherein between the wall of the combustion chamber and the wall of vessel an annular space is provided, and wherein the wall of the combustion chamber comprises an arrangement of interconnected tubes (vertical arranged or helical coiled), and wherein two burner openings are present in the wall of the combustion chamber, which burner openings are located at the same horizontal level and are positioned diametrical relative to each other and wherein in the burner opening a burner is present.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coal gasification system with an integrated control subsystem. The system generally comprises, in various combinations, a gasification reactor vessel (or converter) having one or more processing zones and one or more plasma heat sources, a solid residue handling subsystem, a gas quality conditioning subsystem, as well as an integrated control subsystem for managing the overall energetics of the conversion of coal to energy and maintaining all aspects of the gasification processes at an optimal set point The gasification system may also optionally comprise a heat recovery subsystem and/or a product gas regulating subsystem.

Abstract: A door operator includes a housing; a hydraulic compartment providing a reservoir volume; a sealed pressure compartment; a drive unit disposed in the housing and coupleable to a door via an output shaft; a hydraulic pump in hydraulic connection with the hydraulic compartment and the sealed pressure compartment; a motor in driving relationship with the hydraulic pump; and a spring force accumulator disposed in the housing. The spring force accumulator is associated with the sealed pressure compartment and coupled to the drive unit.

Abstract: A safety window comprising: a window frame, with a right inner surface, a left inner surface, a top, and a bottom; a lower sash in vertical slideable communication with window frame, the lower sash with a top and a bottom; an upper sash in vertical slideable or fixed communication with the window frame, the upper sash with a top and a bottom; a lock apparatus located on the top of the lower sash and the bottom of the upper sash and configured to reversibly lock the lower sash with respect to the upper sash, when locked the upper sash is located at the top of the frame, and the lower sash is located at the bottom of the frame; a first plurality of holes located on the right inner surface of the window frame; a second plurality of holes located on the left inner surface of the window frame; a first extendible pin located in the top of the bottom sash, and configured to removeably engage at least one of the first plurality of holes; a second extendible pin located in the top of the bottom sash, and configured to

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device, designed for a height adjustment of a window, shutter or the like. The invention has made it possible to carry out this adjustment using a device, which can be mounted in a factory or at a later occasion, e.g. by the final customer. The height adjustment is carried out by means of an eccentric (8), which is positioned in a space (16) for the eccentric in a window frame (12), the eccentric being pressed and retained against the frame (2) by means of a fastening plate (5). By loosening the screws (18), which hold the fastening plate (5) a height adjustment can be carried out. The eccentric (8) is designed to receive a key, by which the eccentric can be rotated and in this way accomplish the height adjustment.

Abstract: A start gate assembly for use by a racer when racing when racing on a ground surface is provided with a moveable start gate frame that is pivotally attached to a foundation platform and a moving mechanism for placing the moveable start gate frame in a ready position where the ready position is of sufficient height to obstruct forward movement of the racer. A control device is further provided that regulates the movement of the moveable start gate frame from the ready position to a go position and a start switch that activates the control device to initiate the moving mechanism.

Abstract: A threshold assembly is disposed below a closure. The threshold assembly includes a sill having a first end and a second end spaced from each other and having an entry portion sloping downwardly from a proximate end to a distal end between the first and second ends. A pair of jamb pedestals are disposed at the first and second ends of the sill, respectively. Each jamb pedestal supports a jamb spaced above the sill. A first wall extends upwardly from the proximate end of the entry portion and a second wall extends upwardly from the sill and along the first wall to define a channel extending longitudinally between the jamb pedestals. The first wall defines an opening which establishes fluid communication from the channel to the entry portion of the sill between the jamb pedestals for directing water from the channel away from the threshold assembly along the entry portion.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed towards improved mounting structures and methods for formation of window regulator systems for vehicles. In one exemplary embodiment, a mounting structure for a window regulator system is provided. The mounting structure includes a main body defining cavity for rotatably receiving a portion of a pulley; and an engagement feature depending away from the main body, the engagement feature engaging the portion of the pulley and preventing movement of the pulley away from the main body, the engagement feature being substantially free of fasteners for preventing movement of the portion of the pulley away from the main body.