Abstract: A method of making a sole for an article of footwear is disclosed. The method includes steps of attaching a double sided acrylic adhesive film to a composite plate. The composite plate is then attached to an outer member of the article of footwear using the acrylic adhesive film.

Abstract: A spring shoe, and also in particular a spring, as well as a method of returning energy to a user, are provided. In one embodiment, a method and apparatus stores foot strike energy and releases it after a slight delay, when it will exert a force on the user which includes a forward component. This is accomplished in an embodiment by a spring in the sole which has a decreasing spring force, such that the force required to compress the sole decreases for all or part of the compression displacement as the spring is compressed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the footwear industry. More specifically, the present invention concerns a device that, inserted in soles for footwear, allows the user to equip his or her own footwear, mechanically and easily, with anti-slip serrated nails in the presence of snow or ice or other slippery material on the paved surface.

Abstract: The stability and balance offered by an article of footwear is improved by including a rigid layer in an outsole assembly of the article of footwear. The rigid layer may include a material of at least a predefined rigidity. For example, an outsole may be fitted with a carbon fiber plate that maintains the shape and a flatness of the outsole assembly. The rigid layer may be attached to one or more other layers that may be configured for impact force attenuation and comfort. In one or more arrangements, the rigid layer may be sandwiched between two other layers. Alternatively, the rigid layer may be insertable into a layer of the outsole. A channel may cut into a layer of the outsole to distribute weight to an outside portion of the outsole. This distribution of weight to the outside portion of the outsole may improve stability and balance.

Abstract: Disclosed therein is a high-functional shoe having functions for a pain alleviation and prevention of degenerative gonarthritis, which can alleviate a pain in the knee joint of a person, who suffers from degenerative gonarthritis or is injured in the knee joint by an abnormal lower limb joint movement, and prevent degenerative gonarthritis by uniformly dispersing a load biasedly applied to the knee joint. The high-functional shoe includes a shoe sole having a longitudinally sectional structure of a parallelogrammic form, and is applicable to persons, who have symptoms of degenerative gonarthritis.

Abstract: An article of footwear for gymnasts includes an outsole, an insole, an upper, and a securing member. The outsole may extend beneath a forefoot region of the foot and may include one or more traction elements. The insole may be engaged with the outsole and may include one or more impact-attenuation zones. The insole may include a medial impact-attenuation zone and a lateral impact-attenuation zone. The upper may include one or more apertures through which a wearer's phalanges may be received and may extend over a top portion of the wearer's foot between the wearer's ankle and phalanges. The securing member may secure the article of footwear to the wearer's foot, and may extend from the lateral to the medial side of the upper. The securing member may extend around the heel or ankle area of the wearer's foot. The article of footwear may be a gymnastics shoe.

Abstract: A stabilizing training device suitable for use on an ice-skate is disclosed. The device provides a foot retaining portion and a stabilizing portion directly under the foot retaining portion. The unit is designed to provide at least partial resiliency to permit limited lateral movement in use. The device is positioned about the foot or footwear by positioning the former into the foot retaining area. A base extends between foot retaining members of the foot retaining area. The base contacts the sole of the foot or footwear and has, extending downwardly and outwardly therefrom, arms which provide for the stabilizing aspect when the device is in use.

Abstract: This embodiment is named THE ADAPTABLE PERFORMANCE SOLE APPARATUS. Its purpose is to be adapted to the choice of footwear/bare feet thus enhancing the shock action and comfort regardless of the footwear it's being attached to. This adaptable performance sole apparatus gets its attach ability from straps and/or attaching mechanisms and can be attached to shoes, sneakers as well as bare feet. The shock producing element shown in FIG.

Abstract: A walk-behind trenching vehicle incorporating a trenching boom with an endless trenching chain. The trenching boom may be connected to a forward end of the vehicle via a pivot joint that is offset from a drive axis of the trenching chain. The boom may be movable between an operating position and a transport position via a single actuator, e.g., hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: An excavation apparatus is provided having a loader, a tank, a vacuum pump and a vacuum hose. The loader has an engine and is mounted on either tracks or wheels, with the tank attached on the loader. Both of the vacuum pump and vacuum hose are in fluid connection with the tank. The vacuum hose draws excavated material into the tank, which draws its suction from the vacuum pump. The tank can easily dump its contents when full, and resume drawing in excavated material. The excavation apparatus can be easily transported to the job site using transport equipment the operation of which requires only basic licenses. The loader may be a bobcat. This system may be used in tandem with a hydro excavation system.

Abstract: The invention concerns an ironing appliance comprising a base (1) including a vessel (2) for producing steam under pressure provided with a filling orifice (3) closed with a removable plug (5), characterized in that the apparatus comprises linking means (6) connecting the removable plug (5) and the base (1) when the plug is in an open position providing access to the filling orifice (3).

Abstract: A display structure for displaying an object includes a display container defining a container inner volume for containing the object. The display container has a substantially elongated configuration and allows at least partial visual access into at least a portion of the container inner volume. The display container defines a container aperture leading thereinto located substantially adjacent a container first end. The display structure also includes a container cap mountable to the display container in a closing configuration for substantially closing the container aperture. The display structure further includes a base member for at least partially supporting the display container. The base member has a container receiving aperture extending at least partially therethrough. The container receiving aperture receives a portion of the display container so as to at least partially support the display container in a supported configuration.

Abstract: A snap mobile is disclosed for advertising a product or event and includes a display card having a first printed surface and an oppositely aligned second surface. The display card has a width divided by at least five score lines into first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth panels, with the first and sixth panels having an equal width. The snap mobile also has an attachment mechanism securing the first panel to the sixth panel to form a first member once the first and sixth panels are overlaid. Each of the second, third, fourth and fifth panels are aligned at an angle to each other and also at an angle to the first member.

Abstract: Ear tag for identifying animals, which consists of two parts comprising a male element, with a protrusion designed to pass, in the tag's operative position, through the cartilage of an animal's ear, and a female element, mutually couplable, leaving the tag suspended with room for manoeuvre, in the operative position, from the animal's ear by the protrusion of the male element, with one of the elements male or female having an electronic identification device encapsulated and lodged in a corresponding oblong receptacle, solidly joined to the male or female part in which said device is fitted, forming a sharp angle of between 10° and 45° in relation to the horizontal plane, in the abovementioned operative position of the tag.

Abstract: An advertising apparatus including a body portion adapted to be one or both of connected to or disposed on a support structure accessible for advertising purposes and, an interchangeable and/or replaceable advertising device, the advertising device being adapted to be one or both of connected to or disposed on the body portion.

Abstract: A display system includes a frame and a plurality of rotatable columns carried by the frame. Each of the plurality of rotatable columns may include a column connection member, at least one display engagement member carried by the column connection member, and a plurality of display members carried by the at least one display engagement member. The display system may also include a respective plurality of display guide members carried by the frame to engage each of the plurality of rotatable columns. Each of the respective plurality of display guide members may include an arcuate shaped guide. Each display guide member may have four imaginary quadrants and a portion of the arcuate shaped guide extends through each of the four imaginary quadrants. Each portion of the arcuate shaped guide extending through each of the imaginary quadrant preferably has a different shape.

Abstract: The method facilitates for an individual to orientate himself in a building including the installation of at least an information carrier at a location selected with regard to a configuration of the building. The information carrier includes a visual representation of at least a section of a floor of the building and at least some information associated with the building. The visual representation is a perspective view of the section of the floor.

Abstract: A hitch-mounted vehicle sign display assembly of the present invention includes a shank configured to engage a conventional trailer hitch receiver and a support member (such as a framework) attached to the shank for attaching a display, such as a conventional yard sign or rigid sign, to the hitch receiver or hitch assembly of a vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a display arrangement that includes a stand intended for securing a screen, where the stand includes a first part which supports against an underlying supportive surface, and a second part which extends up from the first part and whose upwardly extending end portion includes a first coupling device of a two-part coupling arrangement whose second coupling device co-acts with the screen, either directly or indirectly. The screen can be wounded up onto and unwounded from a bobbin located in a cavity in the first stand part, whereto with the bobbin can be actuated by a spring arrangement which is adapted to act on the screen in its fully wounded state around the bobbin with a chosen torque and/or chosen initial power or force (Fa-min).

Abstract: The invention concerns a tag holder including a support for displaying information, such as a price tag, as well as fixing mechanism adapted to cooperate with a slide or rail provided at the front of a display surface, such as the surface of a shelf of a rack. The fixing mechanism includes a staple with a terminal engagement device cooperating with a lateral end of the slide, and a hinge adapted to enable a first position of the staple inserted into the slide and a second position of the staple internally locked.

Abstract: A picture frame assembly includes a backing plate having a front surface, a rear surface, and a plurality of parallel grooves in one of the surfaces. The material and thickness of the backing plate are chosen so that the backing plate can be plastically deformed about a bending axis parallel to the grooves. At least one frame element, which can be formed integrally with the backing plate, is for provided for retaining a planar picture element against the front surface of the backing plate. A fastener extends from the rear surface for mounting the assembly to any of various objects, such as a tree, flower stem, a candle, a vase, a basket, a gift wrapping device, a container, a column, and furniture.

Abstract: Slide retraction levers for use with firearms are described. In one example implementation, the slide retraction lever for use with a firearm includes a first handle and a second handle. The first and second handles are used to retract the slide retraction lever. Additionally, the first and second handles are positioned on opposite sides of the slide retraction lever. The slide retraction lever further includes a locking device that is associated with the first handle. Operating the first handle releases an engagement with the firearm. Additionally, the locking device is associated with the second handle. Operating the second handle releases the engagement with the firearm independent of the operation of the first handle.

Abstract: A method performed by a weapon, includes interacting with a user of the weapon to receive a first code; determining whether the first code is consistent with a second code in a memory of the weapon to produce a result of determining; testing whether the weapon is in a zone; performing an operation of the weapon in accordance with the result and the weapon being in the zone. Interacting may include monitoring a switch that is operated by the user; and receiving may include determining the first code in accordance with a time between successive operations of the switch. The method may further include disabling performance of the operation in accordance with the weapon being not in the zone. And, after disabling, requiring a repeat performance of interacting and determining whether the first code is consistent with the second code before enabling performing a further operation of the weapon.

Abstract: A length and width varying multiple mount, impact face, muzzle protective pistol attachment with custom trigger guard to give the end user a multitude of choices of where to mount third party products, systems and devices. Give the end user an offensive/defensive muzzle protection device in which to provide the most stable engineered platform to date for a pistol accessory mount/impact face to wit: The inventive device includes the unique attachment fastening system to the trigger guard.

Abstract: Attachment mechanisms for attaching firearms to support structures are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The suspended gun rest includes a pivoting arm adjustably mounted to a rigid support by a mount. The mount comprises an L-shaped bracket with a mounting hole and three holes for adjustment screws. A cradle is provided which includes two strings, a string routing system, a locking mechanism and a spindle. A hook is connected to one end of the pivoting arm. The two strings are connected to the spindle and routed through the cradle by the routing system and attached to the hook on the pivoting arm.

Abstract: The memory indicia system allows to make a distinctive alignment range on an optical scope of a firearm. The system comprises a basic indicia indicator, which is to be attached to the alignment turret of an optical scope, and one or more additional indicia components to be attached on the basic indicia indicator. Both the basic indicia indicator and additional indicia component have at least a range value indicating the alignment distance, an alignment mark, and a cartridge code as indication of the type of cartridge used. The basic indicia indicator and the additional indicia component are film-like components the one side of which has a film adhesive covered by a removable protective film. The components are attached to the rim of the optical scope's alignment turret after the firearm has been aligned. The memory indicia system also comprises a separate cartridge item indicator to be attached to a cartridge box.

Abstract: It is formed by a longitudinal support, with means for fixing a scope (8) in its upper part, comprising likewise the referred rifle (2), a series of longitudinal slots (4), faced with said accessory (1), and is characterized in that the mentioned accessory (1) incorporates some longitudinal guides (3), in its lower part, adapted for their fitting in the slots (4) of the same air rifle (2)

Abstract: A casting and throwing tool for center pin fishing reels. A ring or molded handle allows an angler to control the tool. The fishing line is strung through an open loop connected to the ring or handle. The angler can use the open loop to control the cast much easier than other techniques used for center pin fishing reels. Using the tool, a user can guide the line to the fishing pole more efficiently due to less restriction from the open loop than encountered using hand techniques. The tool prevents injuries such as cuts caused by the friction of the line.

Abstract: An artificial fish lure 100 including a lure body 110, an attaching means 130 to attach the lure body 110 with a fishing line, at least one hook 140 disposed on the upper portion of the lure body, a weight 150 disposed with the lower portion of the lure body, a connecting means 160 to connect the hook 140 with the artificial fish lure 100, and a swivel 170 disposed with the upper portion of lure body such that the at least one hook 140 may be attached with the connecting means 160 whereby the hook 140 may freely rotate 360 degrees.

Abstract: A container for live bait is provided with a bait retrieval assembly of readily available structural components which are combined in an unexpectedly useful manner to allow all operations to be carried out using one hand only. The container, which is closed with a substantially rigid lid, may be of arbitrary cross-section but is preferably either cylindrical or tapered. The bait retrieval assembly includes an L-shaped frame comprising a pair of vertical members and a pair of horizontal members on which a bowl-shaped colander is supported. The vertical members are reciprocable through openings in the lid. The vertical members are required to be in mirror image relationship with one another, and laterally spaced-apart so that the distance between the longitudinal center lines of the members in the bottom portion of the L is less than the distance between longitudinal center lines of the members in the upper portion of the L.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for intensifying the energy content of an organic material by converting the material into hydrocarbons and the resulting product thereof. A method for converting an organic material into hydrocarbon fuels is disclosed. The method comprising the steps of pressurising said organic material being in a fluid to a pressure above 225 bar, heating said organic material in said fluid to a temperature above 200 C in the presence of a homogeneous catalyst comprising a compound of at least one element of group IA of the periodic table of elements. The disclosed method further comprises the steps of contacting said organic material in said fluid with a heterogeneous catalyst comprising a compound of at least one element of group IVB of the periodic table and/or alpha-alumina assuring that said fluid has initially a pH value of above 7.

Abstract: The present invention provides biological oils and methods and uses thereof. The biological oils are preferably produced by heterotrophic fermentation of one or more microorganisms using cellulose-containing feedstock as a main source of carbon. The present invention also provides methods of producing lipid-based biofuels and food, nutritional, and pharmaceutical products using the biological oils.

Abstract: The present invention relates to motor fuel compositions comprising at least one diesel fuel of mineral origin and at least one biodiesel fuel, characterized in that the fuel composition contains at least 20% by weight of diesel fuel of mineral origin and 0.05% to 5% by weight of at least one polymer which comprises ester groups and contains repeating units that are derived from ester monomers having 16 to 40 carbon atoms in the alcohol radical, and repeating units that are derived from ester monomers having 7 to 15 carbon atoms in the alcohol radical. The present invention further describes the use of polymers comprising ester groups as flow improvers, and also a process for operating a diesel engine.

Abstract: Fibrous combustible material such as biomass or biomass refuse is coarse chopped, dried and then may optionally loaded, transported, and unloaded. The biomass is further processed to a desired size and bulk density. Low speed knife cutters are used for cutting the fiber instead of crushing. Fibrous combustible material having a moisture content of approximately 20% and a temperature of approximately 70-80° C. is extruded between rollers and a fixed flat die, and releases glutinous juices during extrusion which enable pellet formation while also producing a polished cover to the extruded pellet during simple air cooling. A low and variable speed of 2-3 meters per second between rollers and fixed flat die is used for pelletising fibrous biomass. A desired temperature of the fixed flat die is maintained by circulating hot or cold water.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for regulating the heat and the CO2 concentration of the air in an enclosed space within which plants and/or crops are grown, in which method an oxygen-containing gas and a hydrocarbon-containing gas are alternately passed over a bed of particles that are capable of binding oxygen, wherein the oxygen-containing gas is passed over the bed of particles under conditions whereby the particles are oxidised and heat is released, after which at least part of the heat is provided to the enclosed space, and wherein the hydrocarbon-containing gas is passed over a bed of the oxidised particles so obtained under conditions whereby the oxidised particles are chemically reduced and water and CO2 are formed, after which at least part of the CO2 so obtained is provided to the enclosed space.

Abstract: A lawn edging strip includes imbedded conductors which can be used to conduct low voltage electricity to allow the lawn edging to double as a lighting strip. The lawn edging product enables solderless connection of one or more low voltage lights at points along the length of the edging using a light socket body with a plug adapted for insertion into holes formed in the strip to expose embedded conductors. Adjacent sections of lawn edging may be connected together physically and electrically.

Abstract: A device for supporting a tree limb. The device includes a base having top and bottom surfaces for situating the device proximate to said tree limb. A telescoping pole having a longitudinal axis and first and second ends is provided, the first end being rotatably secured to the base. A coupling is included for varying the length of the telescoping pole. A support rod is affixed to the second end of the telescoping pole, the support rod being rotatable about the longitudinal axis. A U-shaped limb support member is fixedly appended to the support rod.

Abstract: The planter receptacle is for use on a railing of a balcony, deck, porch, or patio, or for use on a fence, or the surface of a balcony/deck/porch instead. The planter receptacle is made to securely rest on the railing top, straddle a railing when using two planter receptacles, hang down the side of a railing, or be used in combinations of such installations at the same location of the railing for more elaborate planter arrays. No tools or hardware, except a flexible line such as a length of rope, are required to secure the planter receptacle to the railing or fence. When the planter receptacle is used in a hanging position, it can be readily adjusted for leveling and/or to accommodate the vertical height of flowers as they may quickly grow, thereby improving their viewing from both sides of the railing throughout the season. The planter receptacle can be constructed and finished to coordinate in appearance with the railing or fence, or the structure to which the railing is attached, if preferred.

Abstract: The useful solution mentions the naturally pure pot for planting, comprises a pot (1), the lower half of which has locating ribs (2) lying vertically, prominent inward and equally distancing from each other; two rows of draining holes (3) lying alternately in vertical direction and lower than the upper end of locating ribs (2); a supporting board (4) with holes placed in the pot, rest on the upper end of locating ribs, prominent as cornice on the inside of the pot (1); a cloth covers the supporting board (4) and is fastened and let down. To water the earth in the pot from the above until the water overflows the draining holes (3). To sow seed or to plant in the pot (1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of evaluating multiple plant individuals or plant lines for deep rooting property under the same culture medium moisture conditions. A method of the present invention is a method of evaluating multiple plant individuals for deep rooting property under the same culture medium moisture conditions, by planting multiple plant individuals together in a sufficiently deep culture vessel and lowering the culture medium moisture content gradually. The present invention also provides a method for evaluating plants for deep rooting property, wherein a culture vessel is installed in a water tank so that the culture medium moisture content can be readily adjusted, and thus management of cultivation conditions is facile and efficient. It is possible to select a plant which can grow in dry and low-groundwater level environment efficiently, by using the method of the present invention.

Abstract: A potted plant watering system that uses the capillary action of a wick to draw water up from a water reservoir and into the soil of a potted plant via a plurality of fingers of a wick support member that secure the wick in predetermined patterns and maximizes soil contact during wet and dry conditions and distributes water evenly throughout the plant pot. A water flow control device attaches to the wick support member and by separating the wick's strands from contact with the water, controls the flow of water through the wick. A float mechanism provides for a reservoir level indication with minimum rise and arc of the float rod above the surface of the water reservoir and therefore minimizes risk of rod damage and observer confusion. The wick, flow control, and water level indication systems can be used with any existing plant pot equipped with a drainage hole.

Abstract: A circulating growing apparatus includes several circulating mechanisms, and cultivation troughs for cultivating plants; the circulating mechanisms are arranged in a breeding pool used to breed fishes/domestic birds, near to peripheries of the breeding pool, and will revolve 360° when they are powered; the circulating mechanisms each include several revolving support members spreading in the breeding pool; the cultivation troughs are each pivoted at two ends thereof to two adjacent ones of the revolving support members such that the cultivation troughs will come into contact with water in the breeding pool in order for the plants planted thereon to be nourished with nutrients in the water when the circulating mechanisms are revolving.

Abstract: A down-draft fixed bed gasifier is disclosed that produced clean producer or synthesis gas. The gasifier can be installed at a stationary location or can be scaled down to enable placing the gasifier on a trailer that can be moved to the site of biomass generation. The gasifier is vertically oriented and generally cylindrical, and the design allows for a continual input of feedstock into the gasifier with less clogging and without lowering the gas pressure inside the gasifier. The design incorporates an internal catalyst to clean tars from the produced gas, and uses heat from the combustion chamber of the gasifier to heat the catalyst. The flow of air may be either positive flow or negative flow.

Abstract: In a heat exchange reformer unit, a reforming passage supporting reform catalyst for inducing reforming reactions and a combustion passage supporting oxidizing catalyst for combustion are disposed adjacent to each other with a plate portion interposed therebetween. Heat-exchanging passages of the reforming passage that produce reformate gas that contains hydrogen from supplied reformation material, and heat-exchanging passages of the combustion passage that supply heat, which is generated by catalytically burning supplied fuel, to the reforming passage constitute a parallel-flow heat exchanger. Reformation material guide passages for introducing reformation material into the heat-exchanging passages in a predetermined direction, and mixed gas guide passages for introducing fuel into the heat-exchanging passages in a direction intersecting the gas flow direction in the reformation material guide passages, are provided upstream of the heat-exchanging passages in a gas flow direction.

Abstract: A fluidized bed apparatus having an agglomeration passage in which is positioned a removeable venturi inset.

Abstract: A plasma-assisted waste gasification system and process for converting waste stream reaction residues into a clean synthesis gas (syngas) is disclosed. The feedstock is fed into a reactor roughly one-third from the bottom through the use of a feed mechanism. The reactor has three zones; a bottom zone where melting occurs, a middle zone where gasification takes place, and a top zone with integrated plasma torches to control the temperature and polish the syngas. The residence times in the three zones are selected to optimize the syngas composition and melted products. The syngas leaves the reactor and is partially quenched with relatively cooler synthesis gas. The partially quenched syngas is further cooled to recover heat for steam generation and/or preheating the waste stream to the reactor. The cold syngas is then processed to remove pollutants. The clean synthesis gas is combusted in power generation equipment to generate electricity, or converted to other fuels by chemical processes.

Abstract: Systems and processes for producing syngas are provided. A first hydrocarbon can be partially oxidized in the presence of an oxidant and one or more first catalysts at conditions sufficient to partially combust a portion of the first hydrocarbon to provide carbon dioxide, non-combusted first hydrocarbon, and heat. At least a portion of the non-combusted first hydrocarbon can be reformed in the presence of at least a portion of the heat generated in the partial oxidation step and the one or more first catalysts to provide a first syngas. The first syngas can comprise hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. Heat can be indirectly exchanged from the first syngas to a second hydrocarbon to reform at least a portion of the second hydrocarbon in the presence of steam and one or more second catalysts to provide a second syngas. The second syngas can comprise hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus performing high temperature fast pyrolysis of dry biomass are described. High yield of gases with medium caloric value and low tar content are claimed. Passing electric current through the mixture of biomass with conductive particles in the stirred bed inside the reactor provides the intensive direct heating of the biomass in the pyrolytic reactor.

Abstract: A method of utilizing hydrogen in synthesis gas production by forming synthesis gas from one or more carbonaceous materials, the synthesis gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide; separating a hydrogen-rich product and a hydrogen-lean product from the synthesis gas to yield an adjusted synthesis gas product; and activating a hydrocarbon synthesis catalyst with at least a portion of the hydrogen-lean product. A system for carrying out the method is also provided, the system including at least one hydrogen extraction unit and an activation reactor operable to activate hydrocarbon synthesis catalyst, wherein the activation reactor comprises an inlet fluidly connected with the at least one hydrogen extraction unit whereby at least a portion of a hydrogen-lean gas stream, at least a portion of a hydrogen-rich gas stream, or at least a portion of both may be introduced into the activation reactor.