Abstract: A flexible tree cutting saw is operable from ground level for cutting limbs from a tree. The flexible saw includes a flexible cutting chain, about two to three feet in length, with a rope attached to either end and handles attached to the ends of the ropes. A telescoping device with a hook at its top end is used to place the saw over the tree limb with the flexible cutting chain on the tree limb, and the hook is designed to effectively grab the raised handle and lower it towards the user. The user grabs the handle and applies downward pressure and a back and forth motion to saw the limb. The flexible tree cutting saw use a jeweler's style chain with a plurality of substantially planar cutting segments, preferably made from stamped sheet steel, which are either linked together directly or linked together using oval chain links. The cutting segments have two cutting edges and preferably have teeth facing in one direction for a majority of the cutting span of the cutting chain.

Abstract: A protective cover for a razor cartridge. The cartridge is joined to a handle and is pivotal about a pivot axis with respect to the handle. The cover includes a front wall, a back wall opposed to the front wall, a side wall extending from the front wall to the back wall, a first end and an opposed second end. The second end has an opening. The back wall has an opening with first and second pivot inhibiting members extending away from the back wall. The cover is slidable over the cartridge through the opening in the second end to cover the cartridge such that the first and second pivot inhibiting members engage the handle to inhibit the cartridge from pivoting about the pivot axis with respect to the handle.

Abstract: A wet shaving razor case suitable for storage of a razor having a cartridge and adjoining handle. The cartridge is pivotal about a pivot axis with respect to the handle. The case includes a lower portion and an upper portion. The upper portion includes a handle-receiving recess and is removably secured to the lower portion between an open position and a closed position. When in the closed position the cartridge is positioned within the case, the handle extends from the case and the case inhibits the cartridge from pivoting with respect to the handle.

Abstract: The present invention is a visual aid for balancing and aligning the equine hoof. Unlike previous devices that consider only the ground surface when balancing the hoof capsule, this invention utilizes coronet band and hoof capsule deformation as the start point for rebalancing giving it a top down approach. This wrap-around device is superimposed upon a live hoof capsule for measurement and visualization. The invention is flexible, resilient, and adjustable allowing for proper placement and utilization on all equine hooves. A posterior attaching mechanism is incorporated into the device for added stability. On the surface of the device are various markings with which measurements are made.

Abstract: The apparatus (10) comprises a turret (50), rotatable about a first axis (B-B?), a slide (52) mounted on the turret (50) and a sensor (30) mounted for sliding in the slide (52) along a third axis (C-C?) substantially parallel to the first axis (B-B?). It comprises means (34) for displacement of the sensor for displacing a contact surface (42) of the sensor along the mount (14) during the sensing of the mount. The displacement means (34) comprise means (70) for driving the turret (50) in rotation about the first axis (B-B?). The apparatus comprises control means (82) for controlling means (72) for displacement of the turret in a plane perpendicular to the first axis (B-B?) and suitable for displacing the turret (50) in said plane when the turret is driven in rotation about the first axis (B-B?) during the sensing of the mount.

Abstract: The invention relates to a monitoring device (20) of the position of an assembly containing nuclear fuel (4) in a housing of a storage basket (2). According to the invention, it comprises at least one mobile stop device (24, 26, 28) and a position indicator (30) suitable for being held at a stop by the mobile stop device in a first position indicating that the assembly occupies a first position, said mobile stop device being arranged so as to be able to be placed, by means of contact with the assembly located in a second position in its housing, in a position enabling it to release the position indicator devised to move automatically from the first position to a second position indicating that the assembly occupies the second position.

Abstract: A probe head having a probe head base and a stylus is provided for contacting a surface point on a workpiece. The stylus is moveable relative to the probe head base and has a defined rest position relative to the probe head base. For the contacting, the probe head is moved relative to the workpiece until the stylus touches the surface point with a defined contacting force. A correction data record representing a hysteresis behavior of the stylus with respect to the rest position is provided, and the contacting force is determined using the correction data record.

Abstract: A gauge for measuring the wear of selected cooperating surfaces of an adapter is disclosed. The gauge includes a plurality of rollers adapted to contact the selected cooperating surfaces of the adapter. A trigger mechanism is provided to cooperate with the rollers to indicate if the adapter is out of tolerance in respect of given dimensional targets.

Abstract: A tape measure is invented that fits in an auxiliary pocket such as a credit card pocket of a wallet. The tape measure consists of a case that fits in the auxiliary pocket, a rectangular card that fits in the case, and a tape measure ribbon with a width at most half the width of the card. When the tape measure is in the retracted mode, the ribbon is wrapped nicely around the card and the wrapped ribbon is inserted in the case. To extend the tape measure, the wrapped card is removed from the case and the ribbon is unwrapped from the card so it functions as an ordinary tape measure ribbon. In an example given in one embodiment, a tape measure is sized to fit in a credit card pocket, has a thickness of less than the thickness of three credit cards, yet extends to 40 inches.

Abstract: Household appliance comprising an outer casing (2) provided with a worktop (3), wherein said worktop (3) comprises a plurality of apertures (7), each one of which is fluidly connected with conveying means adapted to deliver a flow of air through said apertures (7) for drying garments laid upon the same worktop.

Abstract: In order to provide a drier module for a drier for a coating plant, in particular for a coating plant for vehicle bodies, wherein the drier comprises a drier working space for receiving the objects to be dried, which space is bounded by a drier floor, a drier ceiling and lateral boundary walls, which reduces the transport costs for transporting the drier components from the production site to the erection site, it is proposed that the drier module comprise at least one section of a lateral boundary wall of the drier working space and one section of the drier floor and/or one section of the drier ceiling, wherein the drier floor section and/or the drier ceiling section are/is connected to the boundary wall section so as to be pivotable relative to the boundary wall section.

Abstract: A laundry machine, particularly, a dryer using steam is disclosed. The laundry machine such as a washing machine, a dryer, a drying and washing machine is an apparatus which washes or dries articles such as clothes. The dryer includes a drum adapted to accommodate articles to be dried, a control panel adapted to provide an interface with a user, and a controller, wherein the control panel includes a course selection part which allows a user to select a specific course as an operation course during a steam course, which includes a steam process for supplying steam into a drum, such that the dried articles have a moisture content equal to or larger than 6%, and the controller controls an operation of the dryer to perform the selected operation course.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for quickly and effectively drying ground surfaces or thawing and melting frozen outdoor locations uses a directed air current heated by combustion in the air flow. The invention consists of a means for blowing air upon the surface, a means for heating the air and a means for moving the apparatus with respect to the surface to provide flexibility and control in the degree of drying/heating performed. The apparatus and method may be applied to a variety of surfaces including earthen (dirt) surfaces, concrete and asphalt. The apparatus and method may also be directed to thawing or melting frozen installations such as external piping, train track switches, and other electrical and mechanical targets. The embodiments of the invention are mobile and allow the application of heated air to disparate locations and targets.

Abstract: A drying apparatus and a controlling method thereof are provided. During an initial phase of drying operation according to a selected drying cycle, a point of terminating the drying operation is calculated based on a moisture level sensed by a moisture sensor and a moisture output quantity stored in the storage. Drying is performed up to the calculated point of drying operation termination.

Abstract: Crosslinked foams having high filler loadings, which may be formed from A) a polyolefin having a crystallinity of 21 percent or less, an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer having a vinyl acetate content of less than 15 mole percent, or a combination thereof; B) a polyolefin having a viscosity between 500 and 20,000 cP, as measured using ASTM D1084 (Brookfield Viscosity at 350° F.); and C) a filler, wherein the crosslinked foam includes from 10 to 80 parts filler per hundred parts of components A, B, and C, by weight. In other aspects of embodiments disclosed herein, the crosslinked foam may optionally include one or more of: D) at least one polyolefin having a crystallinity of greater than 21 weight percent, an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer having a vinyl acetate content of 15 mole percent or greater, or a combination thereof; and E) a scorch retarder.

Abstract: A water-vapor permeable shoe-sole combination (15) with an upper side (5) having at least on through hole (31) extending through the thickness of the shoe-sole combination, a barrier unit (35) with an upper side forming at least part of the upper side (50) of the shoe-sole combination, made of a water-vapor permeable barrier material (33) that forms a barrier against penetration of foreign bodies, by means of which the at least one through hole (31) is closed in a water-vapor permeable manner, a reinforcement device (25) formed for mechanical reinforcement of the shoe-sole combination (105), constructed with at least one reinforcement web (37) arranged on at least one surface of the barrier material (33) and at least partially crossing the at least one through hole (31), and at least one walking-sole part (117) arranged beneath the barrier unit (35).

Abstract: There are provided in accordance with the present invention adjustable orthopedic insoles including a foothold having a base frame, a medial arc support and a tarsal support, so that a camber located beneath the medial arc support provides a clearance located between the foothold, and at least one arcuate abutment mountable in the aforementioned camber. Conjointly, a methods of adjusting orthopedic insoles to a user employing a set of adjustable orthopedic insoles including selecting the most comfortable combination of the footholds and arcuate abutments and of adjusting metatarsal support of the orthopedic insoles of by selecting the most comfortable metatarsal insert are further disclosed.

Abstract: An environmental-protection shoe sole made of recycled shoes is provided, which uses recycled used shoes as a primary constituent of the raw material thereof, which used shoes, after being processed to remove metal accessories, are pulverized to small pieces of a predetermined size, and are then subjected to heating for deodorization and drying and thereafter added with a suitable amount of a base rubber, followed by uniformly mixing, to provide a shoe sole material, which is then molded and shaped. Thus, manufacturing time and material costs can be substantially reduced and environmental and economic effects by cyclic utilization of recycling used shoes can be realized.

Abstract: The snowshoe defines opposite front and rear ends, opposite first and second sides and opposite top and bottom surfaces and comprises a rigid peripheral frame member comprising a top portion corresponding to the top surface of the snowshoe and a bottom portion corresponding to the bottom surface of the snowshoe and having a frame member thickness defined between the top and bottom portions. The snowshoe also has a decking that is at least semi-rigid and that comprises a central load-bearing portion and a number of tongue members fixed to the load-bearing portion and attached to the frame member whereby the frame member carries the decking. The snowshoe further has a harness pivotally attached to either one of the decking and the frame member for allowing a person's foot to be releasably attached to the snowshoe. The tongue members have a staggered attachment configuration relative to the thickness of the frame member.

Abstract: An adjustable golf spike assembly for a golf shoe includes a receptacle fixedly attached to the sole of the golf shoe. The receptacle defines an octagonal recess and an octagonal, externally threaded post disposed within the recess. A cleat includes an oversized gripping portion for providing traction and an attachment portion extending from the gripping portion. The attachment portion has an octagonal outer surface to match and engage with the octagonal recess and an octagonal threaded recess for engaging with the threads of the receptacle. Rotation of the cleat relative to the receptacle longitudinally moves the gripping portion relative to the receptacle. Engagement between the upper portion of the cleat and the receptacle provides for discrete rotational positioning of the cleat relative to the receptacle to position and hold the cleat a desired distance from the receptacle.

Abstract: A snow plow assembly with a longitudinally extending plow body has a blade mounting structure that supports a longitudinally extending plow blade. The blade mounting structure has a series of hinges that receive a longitudinally extending pivot rod to couple the plow body to the snow blade and set of springs to bias the snow plow blade into an operative position and to resiliently restore the snow plow blade to the operative position after encountering an obstacle. The hinge portions fixed to the snow plow body each have a receiving slot to slidingly receive a hinge key and the hinge keys define a bearing surface for abutting one end of the coil spring. A locating notch is provided in the hinge keys to limit relative movement between a hinge key an associated hinge portion. A hinge lock to capture the pivot rod is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed to cut a path in the ground with a path cutter. The path cutter includes a cutting edge to cut a path and loosen earth and a mull board angled such that any earth loosed by the mull board and the cutting edge is pushed towards the center of mull board. The width of the cut path is adjusted by an adjustment member attached to the cutting edge and the mull board. A first auger moves the earth, weeds, rocks and other material loosed by the cutting edge and the mull board to a front conveyor belt powered by a first orbit motor. The material on the first conveyor belt is transferred to a second conveyor belt by a second auger. The second conveyor belt is powered by a second orbit motor. The material on the second conveyor belt is discharged from the path cutter away from the cut path.

Abstract: A merchandising system, including: a consumer product. The merchandising system includes at least one of the consumer product, packaging for the consumer product, and advertisement material pertaining to the consumer product. At least one element of the merchandising system includes indicia and/or an image that relates, or is analogous to, an attribute and/or targeted benefit of the consumer product. At least one element of the merchandising system further includes a micro-optic structure capable of controlling the scatter of light impinging thereon so that the micro-optic structure reflects and/or transmits light in a field of view over which at least a portion of the indicia and/or image appears brighter relative to that outside the field of view.

Abstract: A displaying gain structure for an electronic nameplate includes a circuit board, a magnet assembly and a cover plate. The circuit board includes an LED portion on its front side, and a control element, an information access port, a battery holder and a switch on its back side to control operation of the LED portion. The magnet assembly includes a magnet unit and a metal sheet disposed on the back side of the circuit board, and is attached to clothes of a user by attraction between the magnet unit and the metal sheet such that information displayed by the LED portion is observable. The cover plate is mounted to the LED portion by an intermediate member and spaced apart from the circuit board by a distance. The cover plate further includes an optical display interface to enhance its optical gain.

Abstract: An innovative approach to displaying gaming machine events and advertising for a gaming console is provided by replacing the commonly-used tower light with an integrated set of game and machine event indicators. The tower light may be used to display the actual game being played or, for example, the price of the game, and can be made of transparent material with separate indicator sections conveying game machine events and related information. The tower light is preferably controlled by a controller unit, with LED lights to light up the indicators.

Abstract: The present invention and associated process is generally related to three-dimensional signage. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention includes a predetermined number of generally flat plates which are separated from each other and secured relative thereto, with a series of spacers and fasteners. This arrangement provides display in the third dimension that will more efficiently display a message to the consuming public. Further, the invention and associated process is adapted to receive a predetermined number of lights and/or mirrored surfaces to increase the advertising effect on the consuming public.

Abstract: A free-standing on-board safety device is disclosed. The free-standing on-board safety includes a base portion and a head portion coupled through a tapered body. The head portion is preferably substantially round and brightly colored. In use the free-standing on-board safety device is placed on front seat of the passenger vehicle in an up-right vertical position. In the up-right vertical position, the device is visible to a driver of the passenger vehicle and the head portion is visible to persons outside of the vehicle through one or more windows of the passenger vehicle. When placed in the up-right vertical position, the free-standing on-board safety device indicates the presence of a child, infant or pet in a back seat of the passenger vehicle.

Abstract: A display framing method includes assembling a backing panel, a two-dimensional light emitting device, one or more spacers and a protective panel, to form a display frame. The backing panel supports the light emitting device; the spacers define a space between the light emitting device and the protective panel. The method also includes sealing all but one unsealed edge adjoining the space, allowing access to the space. A display framing system includes a backing panel that supports a two-dimensional light emitting device, a protective panel, and one or more spacers that define a space between the light emitting device and the protective panel. The light emitting device, the backing panel, and the protective panel align to form a plurality of edges. All but one of the edges are sealed with one or more sealants such that advertising material may be inserted into the space through the unsealed edge.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining and selectively tensioning a sheet material display on a billboard which includes a base plate, a handle connected to the base plate, a draw bar operationally associated with the handle, a spring detachably connected to the draw bar, and a chain with one end connected to the spring and the other end capable of being detachably connected to the sheet material display. The draw bar is selectively positioned about the handle in at least two different positions to exert a different amount of tension to the sheet material display when the handle is place in a sheet material display tensioned position.

Abstract: A single or double post sign structure that is configured to accommodate the attachment of panels to one or both sides of a vertical upright. The sign panel is provided with keyed indentations that are located at the top and bottom edges of the panel to permit capture and rigid securement of the sign panel by a pair of retaining buttons that are used to anchor the sign panel to the sign post. Each retaining button is provided with protrusions corresponding to the keyed indentations of the sign panel. As a result, when the protrusion of the retaining button is engaged and seated in the keyed indentation of the sign panel, it becomes locked in place so that there is no room for lateral movement or removal of the panel. As a result, vandals or thieves are prevented from laterally sliding the sign panel to improperly remove it.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for displaying types of information content based on the configuration of a media device are provided. The apparatus has a plurality of display panels flexibly coupled by one or more connectors. The display panels are flexibly coupled by the one or more connectors such that the display panels are capable of being arranged in a plurality of arrangements relative to one another. Each of the arrangements is indicative of a configuration of the device media. Each of the plurality of display panels has at least one viewing surface and is configured to display on the viewing surface a type of information content. The type of information content is indicative the configuration of the media device.

Abstract: An indication brand comprises a frame having at least one embedding grooves at a front side and at least one embedding groove at a backside thereof; the number of the embedding grooves at one side being an even number and the number of the embedding groove at another side being odd number; at least one display panel embedded into the embedding groove of the frame; the display panel being installed with at least one indication symbol; at least one retaining seat installed with a buckling groove; and the retaining seat being embedded into the embedding groove of the frame; and wherein the indication brand is suitable for the display panels with even number or odd number.

Abstract: An indication brand assembly comprises a first frame and a second frame; an indication brand having a first retaining frame and a second retaining frame at a backside thereof; the second retaining frame being formed with an embedding groove; an adaptor; an elastic unit enclosing and retaining to the adaptor; a supporting frame connected to the first retaining frame by using an adaptor; the supporting frame having an embedding groove for receiving one end of a first frame; wherein by the extension or compression of the elastic unit, the indication brand can be engaged with the first frame and the second frame easily The elastic unit is a spring so that the supporting frame can move upwards and downwards. The adaptor is a screw or a rivet for engaging with the elastic unit. The supporting frame and second retaining frame have respective embedding grooves.

Abstract: A separable tag for bags or other containers, each tag comprising a laminar tag-like member having a series of layers, generally an upper and lower layer, the upper layer contains print materials such as for functioning as a coupon, and its is adhesively applied but peelable from a bottom layer of the tag that is securely affixed to the packaged food product. The tags may be formed continuously, but pulled free at a line of perforation, when applied manually or by machine to the bags.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a layered container label that can be marked by the consumer without the aid of a writing device, as well as the method and manufacturing such label. The markable label is formed in layers with: an upper translucent film; a base layer having visually contrasting regions; and an intermediate deformable covering material such as wax laminated between the upper translucent film and the contrasting base layer. Upon application of pressure to the exposed surface of the upper layer, the intermediate deformable covering material is disrupted to visually expose the contrasting region of the base film layer at the point of applied pressure. This allows a user to mark the label without any writing implements.

Abstract: A targeting apparatus for a gun comprises a mirror assembly, a mounting base and a sighting device. The mirror assembly includes a single utilized mirror having a target imaging surface. The mounting base has the mirror assembly moveably attached thereto. The single utilized mirror is movable between a sighting device use position thereof with respect to the mounting base and a mirror use position thereof with respect to the mounting base. The sighting device is attached to the mirror assembly. The sighting device includes a sighting member configured for being aligned with a mating alignment member of a companion sighting device when the single utilized mirror is in the sighting device used position thereby enabling precision aiming through combined use of said sighting devices. The sighting member is independently adjustable for windage and for elevation.

Abstract: A fishing reel has a reel unit that is mounted on the fishing rod, a spool that is rotatably attached to the reel unit, a tension detector that detects tension applied to the said fishing line, and a communication portion that transmits to a fishing information display apparatus data of the tension applied to the fishing line detected by the tension detector. The fishing information display apparatus is provided externally of a fishing reel, and receives data communicated from the fishing reel. The fishing information display apparatus includes a body member, a display portion provided in the body member, a communication portion that receives from the fishing reel data of the tension applied to the fishing line, and a controller that is displays on the display portion the data of tension received from the fishing reel. A navigator away from an angler can certainly have information of the fishing situation.

Abstract: Chain skirt fishing lures and associated manufacturing methods are provided. According to some embodiments, a skirt body for a fishing lure comprises a plurality of flexible elements. The plurality of flexible elements of a skirt body can extend from a body portion of a head of a lure body to one or more points distal from the head of the lure body. At least one of the plurality of flexible elements of the skirt body can comprise multiple elements connected together to form an elongated skirt element. The elongated skirt element can extend from a point proximate the head of the lure body to a point distal the head of the lure body. The flexible elements can facilitate fish attraction, thereby leading to increased fish striking compared to conventional lures. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.

Abstract: A live well 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 live well, which is typically closed with a substantially rigid cover, may be of arbitrary cross-section but is typically either cylindrical or rectangular, and in each case, tapered. The retrieval assembly includes a telescopable support member comprising plural telescopable cylinders; the innermost cylinder is capped and provided with a fastening means for a colander which is reciprocable on the support member. An electrically actuated fluid control system comprising a feed pump and valves pumps water into the support member and pressurizes it sufficiently to raise the innermost cylinder and the colander when a bait is to be selected. Flow of water to the support member is cut off when the colander is to be lowered into the well.

Abstract: An electric or electronic animal trap with a CPU-controlled, rearming, multiple killing plate configuration and automatically resetting interruptible beam sensor for triggering a high voltage cycle. A high-voltage output circuit is connected to killing plates which are activated with a high-voltage pulse train when a pest interrupts the beam signal, such as an infrared beam signal generated by an infrared transmitter to an infrared receiver. The trap is preferably configured to automatically rearm if the IR beam signal is no longer interrupted after the killing cycle. If the IR beam signal is still blocked after the killing cycle, however, the trap enters a standby mode indicating trap servicing is required to remove the dead rodent from the trap.

Abstract: A method of producing fuel by converting an alcohol stream comprising at least one alcohol into synthesis gas; providing a first synthesis gas stream, wherein at least a portion of the first synthesis gas stream comprises synthesis gas obtained from the alcohol conversion; converting a feed comprising synthesis gas via Fischer-Tropsch into a Fischer-Tropsch product comprising hydrocarbons, wherein at least a portion of the feed comprises synthesis gas from the first synthesis gas stream; and converting at least a portion of the Fischer-Tropsch product into fuel. A diesel fuel comprising hydrocarbons formed by Fischer-Tropsch conversion of synthesis gas derived from an alcohol stream comprising at least one alcohol.

Abstract: An efficient and economic ternary flex-fuel mixture that includes at least 10% gasoline, at least 10% bioethanol and at least 45% methanol, with the amount of gasoline, bioethanol and methanol totaling 100%, wherein the flex-fuel mixture has an octane rating of at least 90 and remains homogeneous in the presence of up to 10% water therein. Preferred flex-fuel mixtures include 10-15 to 30% gasoline, 50 to 75-80% methanol, and 10 to 25% of bioethanol and having an octane rating of 90 to 98. Also, methods of making these flex-fuel mixtures and to improvements in methods for preparing a flex-fuel mixture of gasoline and bioethanol by adding methanol in an amount sufficient to enable the mixture to remain homogeneous in the presence of up to 10% water to thus allow handling, transportation, dispensing and use of the mixture in the same manner as conventional gasoline fuels.

Abstract: A system for refining carbonaceous material including a carbonaceous material feedstock unit including a first vibratory screen unit for sizing the carbonaceous material; a digestion unit including a digestion unit in communication with the carbonaceous material feedstock unit; and an acid feedstock unit in communication with the digestion unit for providing an acid mixture solution to the digestion unit including a source of H2O; a source of HF; a source of H2SiF6, wherein the these compounds may be mixed together in ratios prior to being provided to the digestion unit; a separation unit in communication with the digestion unit for separating the digested carbonaceous material from the acid mixture solution; and a dryer unit in communication with the separation unit for drying the digested carbonaceous material and separating the carbonaceous material based on density.

Abstract: A weed inhibitor and weed barrier securing base having an aperture for earth working, and reusable aperture cover which may be removably affixed to the base. Anchors, removably affixed to the base, secure the base to both underlying soil and weed barrier. Further weed barrier securement is provided by additional short posts which protrude through the weed barrier from the base. When in place, the removable aperture cover inhibits plant growth in the area where the weed inhibitor is disposed as a useful weed inhibitor in areas not designated for plant growth. Removal of the aperture cover permits earth working and plant growth within the aperture.

Abstract: An adjustable plant pot support for supporting a plant pot on an underlying surface. The support has a substantially rigid body having top and bottom surfaces and an outer perimeter surface. The top surface is adapted to support a portion of the plant pot and the bottom surface is adapted to be seated on the underlying surface. The body has male and female elements that are adapted to be interconnected with the corresponding male and female elements of an additional plant pot support. The supports are vertically stackable and have a retaining wall extending vertically from the top surface to provide a guide against which to place the bottom of the plant pot.

Abstract: A germinating unit (1) includes at least one seed (3) as well as additives. The germinating unit includes a carrier material (2) penetrable by a root tip (4) and/or a sprout (5) extending from the seed. The carrier material (2) can fix the orientation of the seed. Several germinating units can be joined to form a seed tape (6). The seed tape includes a longitudinal tissue (7). The carrier material portions (2a, 2b, 2c) cover or include their respective seed(s) (3a, 3b, 3c). When the seed(s) have been inserted in the carrier material through a cut in said carrier material or through insertion of a tube therein, said seed(s) maintain(s) its/their position relative to the germinating unit because said carrier material squeezes about or retains said seed(s).

Abstract: A plant is grown to maturity in a transplant container and transplanted into a recipient's container. The transplant container has side walls that can be easily detached from the bottom after the transplant container has been placed into the recipient's container above growing media. After the side walls have been removed, growing media is added to a level above the roots. The bottom of the transplant container is easily penetrated by the roots of the plant and is left in the recipient's container with the plant.

Abstract: A plant care device includes an outer pot manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape. Such outer pot further includes a first drainage aperture having a first predetermined diameter disposed through a bottom portion thereof for allowing liquid to pass therethrough. An inner pot is manufactured from a second predetermined material and has a second predetermined size and a second predetermined shape for holding at least one of soil, at least one plant, liquid, fertilizer, at least one seed, and a combination thereof, and fits releasably within such outer pot. Such inner pot further includes a second drainage aperture having a second predetermined diameter disposed through a bottom portion thereof for allowing liquid to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A modular planter assembly formed of a base planter housing having a cavity volume for dirt or growing material defined by a surrounding vertically disposed sidewall. Smaller elevated planters are supportable above the base planter on support members extending between a pair of vertically disposed elongated members which engage passages formed in the sidewall of the base planter. The elongated members may be one piece, or formed of a plurality of component members to allow the user to lengthen them and add multiple elevated planters to the formed device.

Abstract: Transport system for the introduction of biomass into a gasifier comprising: a plug screw that forces the biomass into the gasifier, wherein the plug screw is formed such that the biomass is compressed in order on the one hand for it to be conveyed against a pressure in the gasifier and, on the other hand, to leave the gas and bed material in the gasifier, having a gate valve adjacent to the plug screw and which closes when the plug screw stops so that heat, vapour and gas cannot escape.