Abstract: A hair dryer with a nozzle designed to effectively spread out the wetted hair strands for enhanced drying capability. The nozzle is configured to have its interior space divided into a plurality of individual ducts by a separation plane extending radially about a center axis. A weak flow zone where no direct air flow is given from the nozzle is formed downstream of the separation plane and between strong flow zones respectively formed downstream of the individual ducts to flow the forced air flow directly therefrom. With the provision of the localized strong flow zones separated by the weak flow zone, the nozzle can develop a waved air flow of varying flow rate, thereby enabling to spread out the wetted hair strands and therefore increase chances of exposing the hair to the air flow for expediting the hair drying.

Abstract: A conveyor grate for the transport and cooling of bulk material, for example cement clinker, comprises a grate floor having multiple planks (12), adjacently situated transverse to the direction of transport on associated support structures and operationally moved longitudinally relative to one another individually or in groups, with moving gaps (14) designed as blow openings situated therebetween, and a method for operating such a conveyor grate. The mutually facing side edges or side edge regions of two adjacent planks (12) form two complementary, mutually engaging profiles between which the moving gap (14) is formed. In the method according to the invention, at least a quantity of the cooling air is blown through the moving gaps (14) which is sufficient to blow the moving gaps (14) completely open.

Abstract: In a hand drying apparatus, an infrared light absorber absorbs infrared light, when a hand is not present, emitted from an infrared light emitter provided on an inner surface of a drying space.

Abstract: A wood heat-treating method, a plant for carrying out the method, and the heat-treated wood. The heat-treating method consists in bringing each wood piece of a treatable lot into contact with a temperature controlled conductive press, whose temperature is accurately controllable in time and in intensity. The pieces are heated to or held at a desired temperature by any heat control for treatment and the wood is conductively heated to maintain the temperature and to cool the wood.

Abstract: A process for treating lignocellulosic material, such as wood for example, the process including the steps of: a) providing lignocellulosic material; b) evaluating parameters of the lignocellulosic material; c) preparing the lignocellulosic material; d) heating the lignocellulosic material in a treatment chamber following a given profile based on parameters of the lignocellulosic material; e) stabilizing the lignocellulosic material; and f) cooling down the lignocellulosic material. The process enables to improve the quality of the wood being treated, while ensuring a greater repeatability and uniformity of coloring results, and overcoming drawbacks associated with conventional torrefaction methods.

Abstract: A membrane air dryer is located inside a compressed air reservoir. A sweep air system includes a sweep control valve upstream of the dryer, and a sweep vent that is open to atmosphere.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in footwear and the like, the apparatus having a primary body adapted to be mounted on a work object operable to perform a task; and at least two secondary bodies mounted on the primary body and adapted selectively to be moved by the work object in the performance of the task.

Abstract: A footwear sole includes a plurality of shock absorbing elements that extend from upper and lower plates. In one embodiment, the shock absorbing elements include a plurality of receptacles extending from the lower plate and a plurality of protrusions extending from the upper plate. Each protrusion is associated with one receptacle, and a portion of each protrusion extends into the receptacle. A resilient sleeve surrounds each associated protrusion and receptacle. In another embodiment, a plurality of shock absorbing elements extend from a bridge on one of the upper and lower plates.

Abstract: A sole construction for supporting at least a portion of a human foot and for providing energy storage and return is provided. The sole construction includes a generally horizontal layer of stretchable material, at least one chamber positioned adjacent a first side of the layer, and at least one actuator positioned adjacent a second side of the layer vertically aligned with a corresponding chamber. Each actuator has a footprint size smaller than that of the corresponding chamber, and is sized and arranged to provide individual support to the bones of the human foot. The support structure when compressed causes the actuator to push against the layer and move the layer at least partially into the corresponding chamber. In one embodiment, the horizontal layer of stretchable material is at least partially enclosed by a wall the prevents horizontal displacement of the layer during compression.

Abstract: A shoe (1), having a toe section (2), and a heel section (3). The heel section (3), either totally or partly detachable from the toe section (2). Once at least partly detached, the shoe may be easily slipped onto the foot of a wearer, without the wearer having to bend or apply pressure to their foot to install or remove the shoe. In the embodiments in which the shoe is partly detached, the heel section (3) may be rotated relative to the toe section (2), either sideways or downwards. The detachable fastening means (4) may incorporate zippers, Velcro™ or other fastening means.

Abstract: A padded shoe, such as a kicking boot, is disclosed that is lightweight and padded for use in mixed martial arts and other related activities. The padded shoe may be formed from a flexible, resilient sole having a substantially smooth surface; a shoe upper, wherein at least a portion of the shoe upper has padding; an ankle padding structure extending from the shoe upper that is adapted to cover the medial malleolus of a wearer; a padded tongue and other components. The sole may be formed from a material having a shore durometer reading between about 40 and about 60 such that the shoe is lightweight yet provides appropriate support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for a ladies shoe to be constructed of a heel comprising multiple heel columns each attached as desired by the user to attain the preferred heel length.

Abstract: There is provided with an article of footwear comprising a shoe body including a shoe upper and a bendable sole which together define a first cavity, wherein the sole is provided with a second cavity therein for housing at least one pump operable by means actuable thereon located inside said sole, wherein the actuation means contains at least one portion movable within the second cavity against the pump in response to bending or unbending of the sole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a therapeutic shoe which comprises a sole assembly having a tread surface (6) having a curved profile in a sagittal plane of the shoe and an upper surface (17) which comprises a location for the toes and a location for the heel. The sole assembly of the therapeutic shoe according to the invention is longitudinally flexible in the sagittal plane and is shaped so that the curved profile of the tread surface (6) extends opposite the location for the heel and the location for the toes. Furthermore, the therapeutic shoe according to the invention comprises at least one removable rigid reinforcement component (15) which acts counter to the longitudinal flexion of the sole assembly in a sagittal plane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a buckle for fastening a sports boot and to a sports boot including such buckle. The buckle includes a baseplate, a lever connected to the baseplate by a first transverse articulation about an articulation axis, the lever having a gripping portion, a connecting rod articulated to the lever by a second transverse articulation about a second articulation axis, a loop mounted at the other end of the connection rod. The lever has a lever body that has a guiding tube for each of the articulation axes. The body is formed by a sheet of material, and the sheet is folded along folding lines that are parallel to each of the articulation axes to form the tubes for guiding the articulation axles.

Abstract: A snowshoe apparatus having a frame assembly, a pivot assembly pivotally attached to the frame assembly, and a binding assembly pivotally attached to the pivot assembly is disclosed. The snowshoe apparatus may also include first and second crampons pivotally attached to the frame assembly, with the first crampon configured to pivot relative to the frame assembly substantially independent of the second crampon. In addition, at least one of the first crampon and the second crampon may be laterally movable relative to the frame assembly. The snowshoe apparatus may also comprise a resilient heel support assembly coupled to the frame assembly. A corresponding method of assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A crampon comprises a base plate fixed to a boot with excellent elasticity, an axial element arranged on a bottom of the base plate across the base plate, and a spike rotatably arranged with resting on the axial element. A knob is provided with the spike to hold the knob and rotate the spike so as to make the spike folded and unfolded as the spike uses the axial element as its axis in a state of wearing the crampon on the boot.

Abstract: A modular shoe includes an upper with an upper side and a lower side, a chassis releasably arranged in an interior of the upper, and a plurality of studs. Each stud is releasably attached to the chassis through the lower side of the upper. The lower side of the upper is clamped between the chassis and at least one of the attached studs. The invention also relates to the various components used in a modular shoe in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: An outsole with an embedded fabric layer has a fabric layer and an outsole. The fabric layer has a top surface and a bottom surface. The outsole has a bottom surface and multiple non-slip protrusions. The bottom surface of the outsole is attached to the top surface of the fabric layer. The non-slip protrusions are formed integrally on the bottom surface of the outsole, extend through the fabric layer and protrude out from the bottom surface of the fabric layer. With the non-slip protrusions, the outsole can provide excellent anti-slip effect and aesthetically pleasing decoration. Additionally, import tariffs on the outsole may be lowered because the shoe is a composite material.

Abstract: A snow thrower including a housing with a chute thereon has a power source therein. An auger is provided on the front of the housing. A transmission is placed in the housing for transmission the power of the power source to the auger. A handle fixes on the outside of said housing for holding. A chamber is provided in the housing for containing snow-melting agent. There is an exit on the bottom side of said chamber. A controller mounts on said handle for controlling said cover and the size of said exit. An axle pivots at the rear portion of said housing and crosses through said chamber. Each end of said axle has a wheel thereon. A stirrer mounts on said axle.

Abstract: Wear resistors adapted for use in wear parts comprising steel castings for replaceable attachment to snow plows, road machinery equipment, agriculture, and construction excavator teeth. The wear castings provide a replaceable member for wear affected parts of equipment used for cutting, scraping, digging, plowing, etc. Each replaceable wear part can comprise a hard, impact resistant metal of high shear strength having at least one cavity filled with an abrasion resistant weldment or resistor. The abrasion resistant weldment can be placed proximal to the wear edges or wear surfaces of the expendable and replaceable wear parts.

Abstract: A method and system for automated operation of a work vehicle comprises a boom having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A first hydraulic cylinder is associated with the boom. A first sensor detects a boom angle of a boom with respect to a support near the first end. An attachment is coupled to the second end of the boom. A second sensor detects an attachment angle of attachment with respect to the boom. A second cylinder is associated with the attachment. A switch accepts a command to move to or enter a preset position from another position. A controller controls the first hydraulic cylinder to attain a boom angle within a target boom angular range and for controlling the second cylinder to attain an attachment angle within a target attachment angular range associated with the preset position in response to the command.

Abstract: A method and system for automated operation of a work vehicle comprises a boom having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A first hydraulic cylinder is associated with the boom. A first sensor detects a boom position based on a first linear position of a first movable member associated with the first hydraulic cylinder. An attachment is coupled to the second end of the boom. A second hydraulic cylinder is associated with the attachment. A second sensor detects an attachment position based on a second linear position of a second movable member associated with the second hydraulic cylinder. A switch accepts a command to move to or enter a preset position state from another position state. A controller controls the first hydraulic cylinder to attain a target boom position and for controlling the second cylinder to attain a target attachment position associated with the preset position state in response to the command.

Abstract: A first hydraulic cylinder is associated with the boom having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A first sensor detects a boom angle of a boom with respect to a support (or a vehicle) near the first end. An attachment is coupled to the second end of the boom. A second hydraulic cylinder is associated with the attachment. A second sensor detects an attachment angle of attachment with respect to the boom. An accelerometer detects an acceleration or deceleration of the boom. A switch is arranged to accept a command to move to a preset position from another position. A controller is capable of controlling the first hydraulic cylinder to attain a boom angle within the target boom angular range and for controlling the second cylinder to attain an attachment angle within the target attachment angular range associated with the preset position in response to the command in conformity with at least one of a desired boom motion curve and a desired attachment motion curve.

Abstract: A first hydraulic cylinder is associated with a boom. A first sensor detects a boom angle of a boom with respect to a support (or a vehicle). An attachment is coupled to one end of the boom. A second hydraulic cylinder is associated with the attachment. A second sensor detects an attachment position of attachment based on a second linear position of a second movable member of the second hydraulic cylinder. An accelerometer detects an acceleration or deceleration of the boom. A switch is arranged to accept a command to move to a preset position from another position. A controller is capable of controlling the first hydraulic cylinder to attain a target boom position and for controlling the second cylinder to attain a target attachment position associated with the preset position in response to the command in conformity with at least one of a desired boom motion curve and a desired attachment motion curve.

Abstract: A system is provided for positioning a work implement. The system has at least one actuator for actuating a movement of a work implement. The system also has at least one sensor associated with the at least one actuator and configured to sense at least one parameter indicative of a position and an orientation of the work implement. Furtherrnore, the system has a controller configured to automatically create a travel path for the work implement and guide the work implement in response to the data received from the at least one sensor, wherein the controller is further configured to automatically modify the travel path when detecting an imminent collision between the work implement and an obstacle.

Abstract: A locking assembly for retaining a wear member to excavating equipment has a locking element that is received into an opening in the assembly and is movable about a pivot axis in the opening between a hold position and a release position. The locking element has an outer edge that is generally opposite the pivot axis that opposes a base surface of the opening when the locking element is in the hold position. The outer edge is configured to pull away from the base surface when the locking element is rotated from the hold position toward the release position.

Abstract: A system for enclosing different ornamental material into an acrylic or ether transparent case for mounting into a cut tile is provided. In particular, ornamental materials, such as beads, crystals, gem stones, pearls, metals, etc. are arranged into some type of pattern or design in order to define a 3-dimensional ornamental element. The ornamental element is then encased within the transparent case. The purpose of the case is to protect the ornamental element encases therein from environmental conditions. The ornamental element is fully visible from within the transparent case. In use, the transparent case housing the ornamental element is directly mounted into a cut tile already fixed on a wall surface. The transparent case is preferably installed so that its top surface is flush with the surface of the tile, facilitating tile cleaning. The tile insert may be used along the wall or ceiling of a room.

Abstract: A decorative locker covering for decorating the surface or door of a school locker includes a durable backing sheet having a front side and a back side, a cover sheet having a front side and a back side wherein the back side of the cover sheet is affixed to the front side of the backing sheet, or wherein the back side of the cover sheet is the backing sheet. The decorative locker covering can comprise the magnetic backing sheet and/or may comprise a plurality of releasable fasteners affixed to the back side of the backing sheet. Additionally, the decorative covering can include a plurality of decorative elements attached to the front side of the cover sheet, at least one envelope additionally attached to the front side of the cover sheet, and at least one writing implement attached to the front side of the cover sheet.

Abstract: A button insert for a button has at least one base portion, at least one linking segment and at least one extension portion. In some embodiments, at least one of the extension portion(s) of the button insert is engaged to an extension portion of at least one other button insert. Thus, the button insert allows a plurality of buttons to be engaged to one another to form a necklace, bracelet, belt, earring, or an ornament for a tree, a backpack or a cellular phone.

Abstract: Disclosed therein is a calendar board capable of distinguishing a holiday and an ordinary day with one block. The calendar board includes: a board body in which a magnetic body is embedded and on which a date table is printed, the date table having a month indication section located on the front surface of the board body, an array of day sections located beneath the month indication section for dividing days, arrays of date sections located beneath the array of day sections, and a memo section having a space for allowing a user to take a memo; and thirty-one date blocks respectively bonded on an edge of the upper portion of each section of the arrays of date sections, each date block having two colors printed on both sides thereof for distinguishing a holiday and an ordinary day, each date block being smaller than the memo section formed on the date dividing table.

Abstract: A merchandising apparatus and method for use in conjunction with a beverage dispenser, such as a water cooler, and a beverage dispensing system utilizing the same. In one aspect the invention is a merchandising apparatus for mounting to a beverage dispenser comprising: a center panel having a bottom edge, a top edge, a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge, a front surface and a rear surface; a first flange extending from one of the front or rear surfaces of the center panel; a first side panel connected to the first lateral edge of the center panel, the first side panel extending below the bottom edge of the center panel; and a second side panel connected to the second lateral edge of the center panel, the second side panel extending below the bottom edge of the center panel.

Abstract: There are disclosed a composite label for use in garments and other substrates and method of labeling. The composite label includes at least one label and a connector. The connector may be attached to a garment and subsequently the label(s) may be detached from the connector without cutting the label from the garment. The method includes attaching the composite label to a garment, and subsequently replacing one or more labels with another label or labels.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to connecting devices that display indicia.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multifunctional signboard having a window function. The signboard is constructed so that a film (2) is provided between double glass sheets (3) and liquid (1) is filled between the film (2) and the glass sheets, thus achieving an effect as if the film (2) were impregnated with the liquid, and preventing the film (2) from shimmering due to the refractive indices of the glass sheets and air, therefore serving as a visual device that causes the double glass sheets (3) and the film (2) to be perceived as one, and which is constructed so that a transparent film or a film (2) on which various patterns are printed is wound around take-up rolls (4) and is driven vertically or horizontally, thus expressing a desired degree of transparency or various designs, therefore variously altering indoor and outdoor environments.

Abstract: A floor mat or vertical display having a main section and an insert section. The main section includes a shaped space for accommodating the insert section, such that the appearance of the mat or display can be customized by selecting the insert section that is placed into the shaped space.

Abstract: A letter-luminescent footboard is disclosed. The footboard absorbs impact and emits light by coupling luminous bodies forming a letter or graphic by a coupling means. The footboard is configured to include: a footboard base having coupling holes displaying a letter, graphic, or number; luminous bodies coupled to the coupling holes by insertion to be separated therefrom; and a luminous body support plate which supports the luminous bodies, is integral with the luminous bodies, and is separated therefrom and coupled thereto from below the footboard base. Thus, the footboard base can be easily washed.

Abstract: A transportable electronic sign display system having modular cabinets which support electronic display modules and electronics having male and female latching assemblies connecting adjacent electronic display modules. Robust male and female latching assemblies at the top and bottom of electronic display modules provide for forcible positive action latching between vertically situated electronic display modules to provide a minimally visible horizontally oriented seam therebetween. Side latches between horizontally situated electronic display modules assemblies provide for latching to provide a minimally visible vertically oriented seam therebetween.

Abstract: A system comprising a stanchion, the stanchion including a pole and a base supporting the pole. A cover adapted to display visible indicia, the cover defining an opening and a discontinuity extending from an exterior boundary of the cover to an interior boundary of the cover, the interior boundary bounding the opening. The discontinuity permits the pole to be positioned within the opening.

Abstract: A pistol includes of a pistol body, a slide and a trigger mechanism which includes: a firing bolt, a horizontal control ramp in the slide, a guide coulisse and a guide finger cooperating with the former, a control spring fastened in the pistol body and deflectable in transverse direction, and a trigger bar hinged to a trigger and cooperating with the control ramp, the guide coulisse and the control spring, the trigger bar having a catch nose retaining the firing bolt lug. To achieve enhanced smooth-running and reproducible precision with a minimum of production costs, the control spring has a disc in its upper end region, the contour of said disc being round in the plane of the trigger bar, and the trigger bar has a substantially vertical catch nose in its rear end region and an oblique rear edge cooperating with said disc.

Abstract: A muzzle loading apparatus of the present invention facilitates the introduction of projectiles and powder into muzzle load firearms. The muzzle loading apparatus includes a body with a plurality of preload tubes for containing powder (e.g., in pellet form) and projectiles, or a “shot.” A shot loading cap is rotatably coupled to an end of the body and includes a shot access aperture that may be aligned with each preload tube of the body for selective access to the contents of each preload tube. Methods of using such a muzzle loading apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A firearm support configured for gas-assisted filling with particulate matter having an enclosure with a cavity, first and second portions, and particulate matter disposed in the cavity. The enclosure has an inlet through which the particulate matter is introduced in the cavity during a gas-assisted filling process, and an outlet configured to generally retain the particulate matter and allow gas to escape from the cavity during the gas-assisted filling process. Alternatively, the enclosure includes a vent having a porosity configured to permit gas to escape from the cavity during the filling process.

Abstract: A portable hunting blind that includes a sheet depicting an animal on a front side, a plurality of rods coupled to a back side for supporting the sheet, and an opening in the sheet suitable for extending equipment therethrough. A sideways-T configured opening in the sheet, a rest for supporting an item of equipment within the opening, and flaps cut into the sheet for air to pass through also are disclosed.

Abstract: An anchor weight assembly provides for anchoring, throwing, and retrieving a decoy or a set of decoys without any tangling of the members of the set. The assembly is attachable to floating object and includes a rigid rod permanently attached to an environmentally safe, hermetically encapsulated, lead weight. The impermeable encapsulate may be a polyvinylchloride. The rod may be fiberglass or a naturally-occurring material exhibiting rigidity with limited flexure. The floating object may be a decoy, such as a puddle duck decoy with a keel having a receiver aperture for receiving the anchor weight attachment means. One end of the attachment may be a connector means for fastening the attachment means to the floatable object and may also be attached to the rod. Alternatively, if the decoy has a receiver aperture above the keel, the anchor weight attachment means comprises an adapter to provide for such attachment.

Abstract: The present invention includes a spear tip that is removably mounted onto the upper end of a spear shaft, which is securely engaged upon the upper end of a handle. A rubber band secures the spear tip to the upper end of the spear shaft. Spear tip has a conical portion integrally formed upon the top of a cylindrical portion. A cable is fixed to the spear point by passing the end of cable through a transverse passageway formed through the cylindrical portion below conical portion and forming a loop at the end of the cable. A pair of parallel rabbit ears is affixed to opposing sides of the cylindrical portion. The cable is adapted with a quick connect/disconnect mechanism.

Abstract: A simple efficient novel design fishing spear assembly for sport fishing includes a spear point pivotally mounted to the upper end of a spear shaft. The spear point swivels from 0 degrees to 180 degrees. The spear point and shaft is mounted onto a long handle to support under water spear fishing, wade fishing, spear fishing or gig fishing from vessel. The ranges of rotation support the spear point between an insertion position, a retaining position, and a withdrawal position. A ball cooperatively engaging with a locking mechanism secures the spear point within the desired position. The long handle can range from a few feet to several feet depending on the application or need.

Abstract: A method of producing a fishing lure and a fishing lure produced therefrom wherein the method comprises forming a lure body from a plastic material having a coffee material incorporated therein and/or applying a coffee material to one or more exterior surfaces of the lure.

Abstract: A fishing lure that is water-degradable is described. The fishing lure can be a polymeric fishing lure. The fishing lure can have a body that includes vinyl resin and epoxy plasticizer, and may also include one or more of a supplemental plasticizer, heat stabilizer and/or fish attractant, and wherein the body is degradable upon immersing the body in water a body.

Abstract: A fishing lure comprising a substantially V-shaped wire having an eye loop at its apex and first and second arms extending from the eye loop. A jig head having a fishhook projecting therefrom is attached to the end of one arm. A spinner blade is attached to the end of the other arm. A second blade is attached to the eye loop to impart a vibrating motion to the lure.

Abstract: A fishing lure is composed of polyvinyl alcohol in combination with urea, agar or both to be highly performing and biodegradeable without requiring a freeze/thaw cycle.