Abstract: A shoe with a removable and interchangeable heel includes a first fixed heel disposed on a heel bottom portion of the shoe. The fixed heel includes a first fastener disposed therein. A second removable and interchangeable heel has a cooperating second fastener disposed therein that is engageable with the first fastener to secure the removable heel to the fixed heel, thereby increasing the effective height of the heel of the shoe.

Abstract: A shoe system is provided that comprises a removable upper unit and a sole unit that can be interconnected utilizing respective upper and lower connecting means. The sole unit can include a support panel that can extend substantially continuously about a periphery of the sole unit. A lower portion of the support panel can be connected to an interior area of the sole unit and an upper portion can extend generally upwardly from the lower portion and be disposed circumferentially within the interior of a lower connecting means along the sole periphery. The support panel can be so configured so as to provide structural strength to the shoe system when worn to resist transverse force and reduce tactile friction of the user's foot against the upper and lower connecting means.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shoe and an interchangeable shoe cover system. The system includes a shoe having an upper with a bottom surface, a sole having an upper surface. One or more slots are defined between the bottom surface of the upper and the upper surface of the sole. The system also includes a shoe cover having at least one rigidly flexible frame member configured to engage with the one or more slots. The shoe cover also includes a cover material portion securely attached to the frame member and that is configured to be extendible into the upper portion of the shoe to secure the cover, as well as pull it taught or tension it over the outer surface of the shoe.

Abstract: A waterproof garden shoe has a plurality of passageways located in the shoe upper. One or more tubes located on the upper are in fluid communication with these passageways. The tubes have an opening which allows ambient air to enter the tubes and pass into the shoes through the passageways to cool the user's feet. The openings in each tube are located below the passageways that communicate with that tube to prevent water entering the tube from entering the shoe through the passageway.

Abstract: A snowboard boot incorporating techniques for making the process of tightening and loosening the laces of a snowboard boot more convenient for the wearer is disclosed. The snowboard boot may be provided with at least two independent lacing zones, the tensions of which are separately adjustable by the wearer. The zones may be secured by pulling on two laces, each of which tightens one of the two independent lacing zones. This arrangement allows the wearer to simultaneously tighten each zone, providing the wearer with the “feel” as though he or she is tightening a conventional single lacing zone snowboard boot. The laces may be simultaneously, yet independently secured by a lace lock at the upper and/or forward region of the snowboard boot. Slack may be created to facilitate loosening of the snowboard boot and easy removal of a foot from the snowboard boot by unhooking the lace from the lace guide without a corresponding distance of lace traveling through the lace lock.

Abstract: A materials moving blade (1) comprising a main blade (3) having a materials engaging surface extending bounded by a first end, a second end, a top edge (37) and a lower edge (39) defining a hinge axis, a plurality of trip blades (9) supported at the lower edge (39) of the main blade(3) and a universal mounting panel having a plurality of holes in the mounting panel for accommodating different mounting system geometries.

Abstract: An endless chain for cutting and removing spoil from a trench includes a plurality of links pivotally coupled together. A plurality of flight plates are secured to the plurality of links. A pattern of openings extends through each flight plate between the under surface and the outer surface. A plurality of wear plates is positioned over the outer surface of the plurality of flight plates. A plurality of fasteners pass from the under surface of the flight plate through at least some of the pattern of openings in the flight plate and into the wear plate to secure the wear plate to the flight plate. The fasteners securing the wear plates to the flight plates can have outer ends that terminate short of the outer surface of the wear plates in openings in the under surface of the wear plate. Sockets, which include bores receiving cutting elements, can be fixed to the wear plates with a bottom surface of the socket either angled with respect to or flush with the wear plate outer surface.

Abstract: An electric iron includes a soleplate and at least one heating element. The heating element includes multi-layer conductive coating of nano-thickness disposed on the soleplate. The heating element further includes electrodes disposed on the multi-layer conductive coating. The multi-layer conductive coating has a structure and composition which stabilize performance of the heating element at high temperatures. The soleplate can be made of ceramic glass. The electric iron can perform heating and ironing functions using alternating current electrical power, direct current electrical power, solar energy power, or one or more batteries.

Abstract: A modified static silkscreen frame including elongated elements on the upper surface of each frame element to mate with downwardly facing securement elements along the edge of a silkscreen panel, such that the panel may be properly tensioned and retensioned as necessary.

Abstract: A craft kit for making pop-up cards having a plurality of pop-up construction elements of different configurations, each configuration of construction element being provided in plurality, each configuration comprising a sheet-like member with predefined fold lines and selective areas coated with adhesive for joining to a card and to a pop-up element to create motion in the pop-up element when a card is opened. Such a kit may contain multiple ones of multiple construction elements, with or without blank cards, or may simply include multiple construction elements, all of the same design, typically for use as replacements for those used from a larger kit, or of a special or new design not normally included in original kits. Various construction elements and their uses are disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic animal identification ear tag. A self powered transponder is encased in a plastic housing, and the housing is affixed to a one piece metal ear clip. The ear clip has self clinching provisions that are metal only, and the housing has a bubble opening therein to accommodate the closure of the self clinching means. The self clinching locking means and, in a first embodiment, a retaining tooth formed on a leg of said metal ear clip maintain the position of the sleeve on said metal ear clip. In the first embodiment, the housing is a sleeve sliding onto the metal ear clip, while a second embodiment has the housing formed and molded around the metal ear clip.

Abstract: A disposable shippable display apparatus for use in displaying products, samples, premiums, messages or the like comprises an inner sleeve containing products, samples, or the like, slidably located within an outer sleeve and configurable between a closed or an open position. After shipping the display apparatus to its end destination in the closed position the display is easily and quickly user deployed by moving the inner sleeve to the open position, where multiple catches and supports lock the inner sleeve in an immediately useable display configuration. The products and samples are now in full view for consumption by patrons and customers.

Abstract: A device for continuously or intermittently displaying graphic material, such as advertisements on the side or rear of a moving vehicle. The vehicle is provided with various sensors which determine the speed of the vehicle as well as whether the vehicle has been parked for a predetermined period of time. Based upon the output of the sensors, the movement of scrolled display containing graphics such as advertisements would be controlled.

Abstract: The invention concerns a scrolling poster display device, comprising two parallel rolls, a poster strip (4) wound on the rolls and a support device (6) for supporting the rear side of the poster strip between the rolls.

Abstract: An illuminated display device includes a cabinet containing at least one illumination lamp and at least first and second sides. Each of the sides includes a first door rotatably connected to the cabinet, and a second door rotatably connected to the cabinet and sharing a common rotation axis with the first door. The second door is positioned between the first door and the illumination lamp when both the first and second doors are oriented in a door closed position. A door frame of the second door has opposed frame members each including incrementally spaced slots positioned as opposed pairs of slots. The slots releasably receive divider members, proximate ones of the divider members being adapted to releasably retain a sign insert. The sign insert is illuminated by the lamp and is visible through the first door in the door closed position.

Abstract: An information display device illuminates a light pipe, and includes a controller to regulate the power levels delivered to a light source, thereby regulating the amount of light delivered to the light pipe. Alternatively, the information display device delivers visual data, including alpha-numeric characters, predetermined images, or a controlled phasing. The information display device may be utilized to illuminate information associated with the structure. The illumination system provides the ability to phase between different colors, as well as blended colors. Accordingly, an information display device phases between varying colors, and may blend colors to create color schemes. The illumination system includes a control module disposed within the structure to control device parameters.

Abstract: Techniques for displaying messages on top of a vehicle are disclosed. Although useful in many other areas, the techniques are particularly suitable for taxicab. According to one aspect of these techniques, a display unit is mounted on top of a vehicle. The display unit includes at least two display panels facing outward respectively. The display unit is controlled by a computing device to display various messages. In one embodiment, the vehicle is provided a Global Positioning System (GPS) that determines a location of the vehicle. Coupled to the GPS, the computing device sends the location information of the vehicle to a base station and receives returned information from the base station in accordance with the location information. The returned information, at least some of which are location based, is locally processed for suitable messages on the display panels. In another aspect, illumination of the display messages varies by a light sensor in response to intensity of ambient lights.

Abstract: Disclosed is an alkyd resin-based pre-manufactured thermoplastic airport runway signage that is applied in relatively large sections onto an airport runway. The pre-manufactured preformed thermoplastic formed as a continuous sheet and wound onto a take-up spool. The runway surface is prepared with a CCS epoxy primer and the preformed thermoplastic is unwound from the take-up spool and positioned onto the runway surface. When the pre-manufactured thermoplastic signage is in a desired location it is initially rolled conforming to the runway surface. Heat is applied to the rolled surface to a preferred temperature with an infra-red (IR) heater to melt and adhere the pre-manufactured thermoplastic signage into the runway surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for advertising. The device includes a shaft to be vertically mounted, in use; an upper connection means proximate the upper end of the shaft for connecting to one end of each of at least two resiliently flexible rods; and a lower connection means proximate the lower end of the shaft for connecting to each other end of the resiliently flexible rods, such that with each rod being longer than the distance between the upper and lower connection means a banner of flexible material can, in use, be spanned by each rod in a plane defined by the rod and shaft.

Abstract: A deflectable sign spring base includes a bracket. A torsion spring between walls of the bracket walls includes first and second spring posts. The first spring post contacts a first bracket edge and the second spring post contacts an opposed second bracket edge. Spacing between the first and second edges is greater than the spring post spacing for a non-loaded spring. Spring post engagement with the edges separates the spring posts and induces a torsion spring preload force. A mast engaging member is rotatably connected to the bracket and in continuous contact with both spring posts. The member and mast are continuously urged to a vertical orientation by the torsion spring preload force until acted on by a second force overcoming the preload force, the preload force thereafter returning the member and mast to the vertical orientation after the second force is removed.

Abstract: The identification band of the present invention includes a strap adjacent to a first end and an information-bearing portion integral therewith and adjacent to a second end. Attachments means allow for the first end to be looped around the person of object to be identified and attached to the strap portion so that the information-bearing portion is not part of the loop, but extends away from the loop around the person or object identified. The band may include a slot through which the first end is passed prior to being attached to the strap. By extending away from the loop, the information-bearing portion is able to maintain a flattened and enlarged surface area from which barcode or human-readable information can be more easily scanned and/or read.

Abstract: A displaying apparatus frame used for covering an exterior of a display apparatus. The displaying apparatus frame has a main frame and a sliding cover. The main frame has an opening corresponding to a display surface of the display apparatus. The sliding cover is connected to the main frame in a sliding way, and the sliding cover slides along a direction that is not parallel to the display surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for personalizing a picture. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a picture display apparatus including a body, a shelf extending from the body, and a plurality of pre-selected accessories. Preferably, a peel-off adhesive removably adheres the accessories to the shelf. Also, the body may define a border around a picture display area. Further, the body and the shelf may be portions of a unitary member. The invention also provides a picture display apparatus that includes an L-shaped body, a display area, a shelf, an accessory, and an adhesive. The display area is on the front of the vertical member of the L-shaped body whereas the horizontal member of the body defines an accessory shelf. In another preferred embodiment, a picture display apparatus for displaying a cross-stitched picture held on a stretcher frame is provided.

Abstract: An autorotative digital photo frame comprises a microprocessor, the microprocessor allows the pictures read therein to be classified into both erect and transverse types, controls the photo frame to first display all the corresponding type of pictures depending on the erect or the transverse disposition type of the photo frame, and the microprocessor then controls the photo frame to display another type of pictures after it controls the photo frame to rotate 90 degree to allow every picture to fully use the space of the display panel and be enlarged to the size closest to the display panel. Whereby, a user can obtain a better visual effect.

Abstract: A Feng Shui screen for hiding a wall mounted display monitor is disclosed. The Feng Shui screen includes a decorative frame such a picture frame and an opaque, often decorative, screen secured into the frame. The frame and screen are sized to conceal a wall mounted display monitor such as a television monitor. At least one and often two brackets are secured onto the wall in a location near opposing sides of the display monitor. The brackets slidably mount the frame to the wall such that the frame is operable on the brackets to slide between a first position covering and concealing the display monitor to a second position in which the front on the monitor is uncovered for viewing.

Abstract: The present invention is a replacement gunstock assembly for rifles. The assembly comprises a stock body with a uniform mounting structure and one of a series of adapters made to accept the mounting structure and then mount, in turn, on a given rifle platform. Also disclosed is attachment means for holding the stock body and adapter together.

Abstract: A firearm butt stock with an adjustable cheek piece comprises an elongate stock base having a top, a bottom, a right side, a left side, a proximal end and a distal end. The stock base has a transverse pivot shaft near the stock base top and a transverse catch shaft spaced from the pivot shaft lengthwise of the stock base near the stock base top. A cheek piece has a proximal end and a distal end and a left and a right sidewall. The cheek piece defines a plurality of lengthwise stacked receptacles opening toward a proximal end of the cheek piece and an elongate hole having a distal and a proximal end spaced lengthwise and distal of the stacked receptacles. The stacked receptacles, the catch shaft, the elongate hole and the pivot shaft are configured so that with the pivot shaft received in the elongate hole and the pivot shaft at the distal end of the elongate hole, the catch shaft is received in one of the stacked receptacles and the cheek piece is prevented from pivoting about the pivot shaft.

Abstract: Adjustment mechanisms that may be employed for making operational adjustments to sighting mechanisms such as riflescopes, telescopes, binoculars, monoculars or other types of viewing devices. One configuration being directed to a pop-up cap that is retained and remains connected to the adjustment mechanism, the pop-up cap translating between a first position (typically the closed position) where rotation of the cap does not engage the adjustment mechanism to a second (typically the extended position) where rotation of the cap engages the adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: A game fish disabling device, and method of disabling a game fish. The game fish disabling device is preferably configured as a pole type device with a sliding “hammering” action to generate and transmit a disabling force or blow to the game fish, in particular the head of the game fish.

Abstract: A bait cage device and method for sustaining bait during fishing operations is provided. A capsulate shaped structure has an opening for inserting the bait. At least one vent on the capsulate shaped structure provides fluid communication between the exterior and interior of the bait cage. A lid is hingedly disposed on the capsulate shaped structure to cover the opening. At least one anchor point is disposed on the capsulate shaped structure, operable to receive a line. At least one anchor point is disposed on the capsulate shaped structure, operable to receive a hook. The lid further has a clasp, the clasp releasably mated with the capsulate shaped structure to close the opening. The clasp releases the lid into an open position upon application of pressure to radial diametrically opposed sides of the exterior of the capsulate shaped structure.

Abstract: A fishing rod mount is described wherein said mount comprises a base portion and a rod holder. The base portion is configured for secure receipt within a cylindrical cup holder, and said rod holder is capable of securely maintaining a fishing rod.

Abstract: A fishing lure is provided. When arranged as a jig, a head and a hook are attached. A trailer contacts a portion of the hook. A trailer keeper is also included and has a resilient member that engages the trailer. The trailer keeper is configured for limiting movement of the trailer along the hook. The trailer keeper is configured for biasing the trailer to a desired position.

Abstract: A pest-trapping device includes a frame, a catch mechanism sized to fully cover the frame, an actuator, and an optical sensor operatively connected to the actuator for detecting presence of a pest. The actuator moves the catch mechanism from a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A humane trap has a body with a lid at one end and an open end at the opposite end of the body thereof. A pair of coil springs have one end attached to the body and the opposite end attached to a strike retainer. The strike retainer having a strike extending integrally therefrom. The strike retainer and the strike rotating around an axis. A trigger rotationally attached to the body has a latch release part which releases a latch hooked into the latch release part. The latch releases the strike retainer. The strike retainer releases the strike.

Abstract: An insect trap including a suction device to suck insects into a catch where they are killed or detained. The insect trap also includes a catalytic reactor that uses a portion of the air and a combustible fuel to produce CO2. The CO2 is expelled from the trap at one end and the intake air is sucked in at the other. Intake and outlet ports for the intake air and lure respectively are angled toward each other. Accordingly, more insects that are drawn to the lure become trapped in the intake air.

Abstract: A mechanical device with automatic reset capabilities that injects compressed air or other gases into the heart and lung cavities of Order Rodentia pest which results in death by delayed air embolism or cardiac arrest. This method allows the target time to vacate the premise saving time on carcass removal and clean up. This new technology can replace the poison bait traps and other environmental pollutants currently in use.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for attracting, capturing and killing populations of cotton boll weevils (Anthonomus grandis Boh.) in boll weevil traps are disclosed. With respect to the attraction and capture of boll weevils with Grandlure, the synthetic pheromone of the cotton boll weevil, there is generally an increased number of boll weevils captured in the trap cylinder when an insecticide dispenser is included in the trap cylinder to kill the weevils and thus prevent their escape. Additionally, dead boll weevils are more accurately counted than live boll weevils. The compound dichlorvos (2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate or DDVP) is the most preferred among those few insecticides that can be used in traps for killing and preventing weevil escapes. This is also the preferred insecticide when combined with Grandlure in a single dispenser to kill boll weevils or inhibit their ability to develop normally and reproduce.

Abstract: A flying insect trapping system uses a control assembly that has a dispersion assembly that vaporizes small amounts of octenol, the octenol mixing with carbon dioxide the flow of which is regulated into a mixing housing. The mixture is released to attract flying insects from a distance. A trapping assembly uses a heat source, namely a light for short distance attraction of the insects, which insects fly to the light and are drawn into a mesh by a fan. Each trapping assembly can have a control assembly associated with it, or a single master control assembly can be used which delivers the carbon dioxide and octenol mixture to each of the trapping assemblies.

Abstract: Novel soybean/terpene based fuel compositions and fuel additives are disclosed and claimed herein.

Abstract: The invention provides a fuel additive compound represented by the general formula (I) wherein n is zero or an integer from 1 to 20 and in each succinic acid moiety one of R1 and R3 is a C3—C80 internal olefin moiety, and the other of R1 and R3 is hydrogen. Additive compositions containing such compounds have low viscosity and are useful in increasing the lubricity of middle distillate fuels.

Abstract: A fuel composition is provided that contains a major amount of a mixture of hydrocarbons in the gasoline boiling range and a minor amount of a certain aniline additive compound. Use of such aniline additive compound in a combustion engine is also provided.

Abstract: Hydrogen storage fuel compositions and devices comprising a mixture of at least one chemical hydride compound and at least one proton source, and methods for thermally initiated hydrogen generation from fuel compositions are disclosed. The fuel compositions comprise an excess of hydridic hydrogens relative to protic hydrogens. Fuel cartridges suitable for use with compositions which generate hydrogen upon the application of thermal initiation and methods for operating the fuel cartridges are also disclosed.

Abstract: Floating slow-release fertilizer is designed to significantly reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This granulated fertilizer has a density lighter than seawater. Therefore its pellets can float on the surface of seawater. After being dispensed into water, the pellets are able to continually release certain nutrients for a period of time. During this period, an otherwise inanimate water region is temporarily suitable for plant growth. Floating slow-release fertilizer enables the growth of planting phytoplankton in ocean to remove CO2 from atmosphere. The advantages of the fertilizer are as following: all nature, effective, no byproduct, no land using, no pollution, using solar energy mainly, small investment, easy to control, low operation cast.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for germinating seeds is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a plurality of translucent hollow spheres, each sphere having apertures therethrough for entry and egress of liquid and air, wherein each of the plurality of translucent hollow spheres includes soil and at least one of the seeds; a tray, for confining the spheres to an basin area within a periphery of the tray while permitting the spheres to roll on a rolling surface within the periphery of the tray; a platform; and a plurality of solenoids disposed on the platform for tilting the tray to displace the spheres, each solenoid having a shaft longitudinally extendable in a direction away from the platform upon activation of the solenoid and each shaft having an end distal from the solenoid coupled proximate to the periphery of the tray.

Abstract: In general, the present invention discloses a landscape edging device for dividing distinct landscaping areas, comprising: a vertical barrier; a top portion disposed at the top of and integral to the vertical barrier; and an anchoring portion at the bottom and integral to the vertical barrier, wherein the anchoring portion in turn comprises: an offset channel formed from the vertical body and disposed on one side of the vertical body, wherein the offset channel comprises a first leg and a second leg; and an anchoring blade disposed on a second side of the vertical body and protruding from the intersection of the first leg and second leg.

Abstract: A walk-in device for growing plants has a shelf system for receiving individual plants. An illumination device for illuminating the individual plants is provided. The shelf system is arranged about the illumination device that is centrally positioned within the shelf system. The shelf system is designed to position the individual plants such that the individual plants are oriented toward the illumination device. The individual segments of the shelf system are movable relative to the illumination device by rollers or on rails.

Abstract: This application provides bulking compositions and methods of making such compositions. In particular examples, such compositions include bulking agents (such as nutshell fragments of filbert or coconut shells) at least partially coated with a binder and super-absorbent polymer (SAP)-particles adhered to the bulking agents by the binder, and can further include seeds at least partially coated with a binder and containing SAP-particles adhered to the seeds by the binder. Also provided are seeds that have adhered thereto SAP-particles and activated charcoal or coir.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for delaying a plant development process comprising exposing a plant or plant part to one or more bacteria or enzymes. In specific embodiments, the one or more bacteria are selected from the group consisting of Rhodococcus spp., Pseudomonas chloroaphis, Brevibacterium ketoglutamicum, and a mixture comprising any combination of these bacteria. Apparatuses for delaying a plant development process comprising a catalyst that comprises one or more of the above bacteria.

Abstract: This container extends the watering cycle of plants. In some cases, plants may actually be revived and become healthy even after severe dehydration. This container is designed with a water reservoir built into the bottom. Holes on the side of the container allow excess water to run out. An insert that may or may not be porous to water is placed on the bottom of the container with the round ends sitting on the shoulder. Projections from the insert may or may not project through the holes. The top of the insert forms a surface limiting plant root growth: in effect, air pruning. The soil in the void areas, on each side of the insert, wick water to the soil mass. Using this container can greatly reduce the amount of water and nutrients consumed by the grower and significantly extend plant life in retail stores or other locations.

Abstract: A semi-circular flexible flower box (top section) and a semi-circular flexible mounting shelf (bottom section), are both functional companion units. The top section functions as a flower box but has a flexible accordion pleat (inside/outside diameters) configured in a semi-circle to allow for attachment to cylindrical objects. The bottom section functions as a mounting shelf for the top section and is structured not only in the same flexible semi-circular fashion, but is designed in such a way as to capture the flower box section allowing it to rest securely on the mounting shelf or bottom section. Configured to the inside or backside diameter of the mounting shelf are slots that allow for insertion of an attachment strap. The attachment strap allows for a precise and snug fit of the mounting shelf and companion flower box, top section to cylindrical objects within the range of the mounting shelf's diameter.