Abstract: A cutting device capable of heating a blade uniformly and to an appropriate temperature and capable of cutting a member with small cutting resistance at a low angle (acute angle) is provided. Electricity is passed through a metallic thin blade to cause the blade to self-heat, and this enables the blade to cut an unvulcanized rubber member with small resistance and with restricted deformation of the member. The thin blade is durable because of its strip shaped shape and can be uniformly heated because it self-heats by an electric current.

Abstract: A snap-off knife is provided, having a metal sleeve, a blade contained within the metal sleeve and slidably extendable through a first terminal end of the metal sleeve, and a cap having a cavity such that the cap is capable of fitting over the first terminal end of the metal sleeve from which the blade extends. The metal sleeve also has an open section for allowing a slide button to move along the open section of the metal sleeve in a direction parallel to the direction that the blade extends and retracts. The cap has a narrow slot for placing over the exposed portion of the blade while the blade is being snapped off by the user. The cap is capable of fitting over a second terminal end of the metal sleeve located opposite the first terminal end.

Abstract: An ergonomic scraper, such as a floor scraper using a standard replaceable blade, is provided. Embodiments include a scraper having an elongated handle, a scraper head for fixedly holding a blade mounted to a first end of the handle, an upper hand grip at a second end of the handle, and a lower hand grip between the first and second ends of the handle. The handle has an S-shape to reduce the angle between the blade and a workpiece. A pair of wheels is mounted near the scraper head for easily adjusting the blade attack angle. The scraper head is adjustable for changing the scraping angle of the blade to suit the user and/or the job.

Abstract: To avoid miscuts while providing a comfortable usability a comb device (3) for a hair-cutting system (1) is proposed, the comb device (3) comprising a comb unit (4) with teeth (71) and connecting means (8) for connecting the comb device (3) to a hair-cutting apparatus (2), wherein the comb unit (4) comprises a first part (5) being in a fixed position with respect to the connecting means (8) and having teeth (71) and a second part (6) being movable with respect to the connecting means (8), as well a hair-cutting system comprising a hair-cutting apparatus and such a comb device (3) and being divided in two or more movable subparts (61, 62) that are arranged to move independently from each other.

Abstract: A tie wrap cutting tool has a press arm and a die arm, each arm having a tool end and an opposing handle. The arms are pivotally coupled together, such that relative movement of the handles produces a corresponding movement of the tool ends. A cutting insert is removably coupled to the tool end of the die arm, the cutting insert having a transverse guide slot configured for receiving a tie wrap to be cut. At least one cutter is carried by the cutting insert, the cutter having a selected geometric shape. A press face is formed in the press arm for forcing the tie wrap against the at least one cutter, so that selected movement of the handles causes the at least one cutter to cut the selected geometric shape in a tie wrap received in the slot.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of a reciprocating drive apparatus are disclosed that comprise a housing, a rotatable drive shaft assembly located in the housing an elongated plunger located in the housing for reciprocating motion, the plunger having a front end portion for attaching a tool thereto, a rotary joint rocker mechanism supported in the housing and operatively connected to the plunger and the drive shaft assembly so that rotation of the drive shaft assembly produces reciprocating motion of the plunger. Another preferred embodiment includes a reciprocating counterweight.

Abstract: An analog electronic angle sensor circuit with a ground connection (GND) and with a supply voltage connection (+UB) and with an output (OUT), comprising an actual sensor (12) and a suitable wiring of said sensor (12), wherein the voltage at the output (OUT) relative to ground is proportional to the product of the supply voltage (+UB) and the measured angle (?) and a method for electronic emulation of an optimum potentiometer wherein the input voltage (+UB) is reduced to a fixed fraction (1/k) and an analog angle sensor (12) is operated with this fraction of the input voltage (+UB) as an operating voltage (Uv), wherein the output voltage (OUT1) of said angle sensor is proportional to the operating voltage and to the rotation angle (?) measured by said angle sensor (12).

Abstract: An adjustable picture and wall hanging device comprising an elongated strap having thereon a pair of spaced sliders, each slider having a point thereon to enable a spot to be marked on a wall, and a level centrally mounted on the strap for facilitating leveling of the device so that the item to be mounted will be level. Alternatively the level can be on one slider. This device enables pictures and other items to be hung on a wall in a simple, quick and easy manner.

Abstract: A scale base is fixed to a base in a plurality of locations which are aligned in a measuring direction (a Y direction) in which measurement by a scale is carried out, slits are provided in the scale base in positions lying between the locations where the scale base is fixed to the base, the scale is supported by the scale base in two or more of the locations where the scale base is fixed to the base, and the scale base has gaps between the base and the scale base in positions other than the locations where the scale base is fixed to the base and between the scale and the scale base in the positions other than the locations where the scale base is fixed to the base.

Abstract: A positioning scale device includes a main scale body (1), a stationary positioning portion (2), at least a moving positioning portion (3), and at least a direction indicating portion (4). The main scale body (1) has at least a guiding slot (11); the stationary positioning portion (2) being positioned on the main scale body (1) is adjacent to an end of the guiding slot (11); the moving positioning portion (3) being positioned in the guiding slot (11) is capable of fixing at a location of the guiding slot (11); while the direction indicating portion (4) being positioned on the main scale body (1) forms a predetermined angle with respect to the extended direction of the guiding slot (11). By the use of the direction indicating portions (4), one is capable of assuring relationship between the “object to be measured” and the horizontal direction. Therefore, the positioning scale device of the invention is capable of achieving the efficacy of duplicating the same status as that of the “object to be measured”.

Abstract: A non-structural shear wall nailing template bears a pattern of shear wall nailing pattern markings. The template is made of an inexpensive sheeting material that will not interfere with the further construction of the building if the template remains in-situ after construction of the shear wall. In one example, the template is a strip. The strip bears lettering that indicates the type of nailing pattern to which the nailing pattern markings conform. After fixing the template to one or more sheathing panels such that the template is aligned in a predefined way with respect to framing members behind the panel(s), nails are driven at the locations of the markings on the template. By driving a nail at the location of each template marking, the shear wall is constructed with proper nail spacing. A set of templates is provided to facilitate nailing in different shear wall nailing patterns.

Abstract: An attachment 1 is attached to a nozzle of a hand held hair dryer. The attachment 1 has a hollow, generally tubular body 2 to direct the heated air flowing out of the dryer through the attachment 1. The distal end 4 includes a grill 5 that is attached to a collar section 6 part of the body 2. A central container 7 is concentrically suspended within the collar section 6 via struts 8 that allow air from the dryer to flow past the container 7 within the collar 6. As air flows past the container 7, it engages a fan 11 in the form of a blade that is rotatably mounted to a hub assembly formed by a bracket 12 and a cap 13 that covers the container 7. As heated air flows out of the hairdryer, the air flow drives the fan 11 rotationally and causes centrifugal forces to be applied to the liquid conditioner that is present in the cap 13 section of the enclosure formed by the cap 13 and container 7.

Abstract: A silent hair dryer and a silencer for a hair dryer includes at least one casing with an inlet end and an outlet end and enclosing at least one turbine sucking in air via at least one admission orifice upstream of the turbine and expelling it downstream via at least one outlet orifice. The silent hair dryer includes at least one chamber upstream of the admission orifice and an inlet orifice for aspiration of air upstream of the chamber; the diameter of the chamber being greater than the diameter of the admission orifice and the diameter of the inlet orifice, the length and the diameter of the chamber being of such a size so as to define a volume turned as a function of the sound frequencies to be attenuated by the silencer.

Abstract: This invention discloses systems and methods for conversion of high moisture waste materials to dry or low moisture products for recycle or reuse. The equipment systems comprise a gas turbine generator unit (preferred heat source), a dryer vessel and a processing unit, wherein the connection between the gas turbine and the dryer vessel directs substantially all the gas turbine exhaust into the dryer vessel and substantially precludes the introduction of air into the dryer vessel and wherein the processing unit forms the dried material from the dryer vessel into granules, pellets or other desired form for the final product. Optionally, the systems and methods further provide for processing ventilation air from manufacturing facilities to reduce emissions therefrom.

Abstract: A process and a device for utilization of waste heat from a high-temperature hood in the dryer section of a paper machine. The waste heat from the high-temperature hood is applied to the waste steam and the condensate, respectively, from a steam system by means of a heat exchanger, thus improving utilization of the energy contained in the exhaust air from a high temperature hood.

Abstract: Plantar (1) apt to the proprioceptive, exteroceptive, pressoceptive and/or reflexogen stimulation for correcting the muscle-skeletal, myo-facial and/or vascular troubles of the foot sole, comprising a plurality of stimulation members (11-13, 16-17, 18) arranged at selected areas of the foot sole in order to perform the stimulation by elastically deforming during the person's deambulation, wherein the stimulation members comprise a plurality of elastically deformable swellings (11-13, 16-17) and aplurality of helicoidal compression springs (18) extending in the direction substantially orthogonal to the foot sole (FIG. 2).

Abstract: A construction of an oxford type, lace up athleisure shoe enables the shoe to be slipped on the wearers foot and held securely on the foot without the need for lacing on the shoe. This provides the shoe with the appearance of a lace up shoe that is worn without lacing.

Abstract: A shoe construction including a shoe upper, an intermediate composite structure and an outsole. The composite structure underlies at least a portion of the upper and overlies at least a portion of the outsole. The composite structure includes cushion members with one cushion member being positioned to underlie a heel of a wearer and another cushion member being positioned to underlie the ball of the foot. The cushion member underlying the ball may be perforated. The composite structure can also include a relatively rigid lower member which can be perforated in the area of the ball of the foot underlying the cushion member for the ball of the foot. The composite structure can provide a flexure discontinuity in the shoe forward of the midfoot zone of the shoe.

Abstract: The slip resistant shoe sole 1 of the invention comprises a plurality of ground contact projections 3 formed on the ground contact side of the sole base 2 with a predetermined gap between adjacent ground contact projections 3 in the longitudinal direction of the base 2, the ground contact projections 3 having a V-shaped horizontal cross section, having inclined reinforcements 5 provided at the roots of the ground contact projections 3 on the base 2, and being formed using an elastomeric polymer with a JIS-A hardness of 45 to 80 as measured at 20° C.

Abstract: Protective footwear, such as a motorcycle or motocross boot, having a molded top gasket and/or a fold-over thermal laminate. The molded top gasket may be a substantially annular unitary piece or multi-piece construction of an elastomeric material, such as rubber, that snugly wraps around the wearer's lower leg or ankle when the footwear is worn. The fold-over thermal laminate is a piece of thermally resistant material on the outer surface of the footwear upper that extends over a portion of the rim and into the inside of the upper. One or more optional control pads also may be placed on the exterior surface of the thermal laminate.

Abstract: A waterproof vapor-permeable shoe, including an upper part that delimits a foot insertion region; a sole, made mainly of plastic material, provided with at least one region which is diffusely perforated with through holes in the direction of a walking surface; a vapor-permeable or perforated flat element, rigidly coupled to the lower part of the sole on which the tread of the sole is formed or rigidly coupled, the flat element adapted to limit the formation of hollows in the foot insertion region at the projection of the holes of the diffusely perforated region; and a waterproof vapor-permeable membrane associated with the upper part and/or with the sole; the membrane being arranged above the flat element so as to be superimposed on the diffusely perforated region.

Abstract: An ice re-surfacing machine induces ultrasonic frequency vibrations onto the ice shaving blade. The vibrating blade can be pulled across the ice with less pressure and provides an improved finished surface.

Abstract: A tool for pushing snow is provided with a blade having a concave profile along an elongate axis for pushing snow along an underlying support surface. A handle extends generally perpendicular to the elongate axis from an upper portion of the blade. A first contact member is provided along a first elongate edge of the blade. The first contact member is adapted to contact the underlying support surface in a first orientation. A second contact member is provided along a second elongate edge of the blade. The second contact member is adapted to contact the underlying support surface in a second orientation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel autonomous excavating apparatus capable of solving conventional problems. The autonomous excavating apparatus comprises an apparatus body including a lower body 101 formed in a cylindrical shape and combined with a conical-shaped lower end, and a spiral blade 102 provided on an outer peripheral surface of the lower body 101 in the form of a right-handed screw. The lower body 101 has an internal space provided with a wheel 103 which has a rotary shaft 104 rotatably supported relative to the lower body 101 through bearings 105, 106. A motor 108 is fixed to the lower body 101 at a position above the wheel 103, and an output shaft of the motor is coaxially connected to the rotary shaft 104. Thus, the motor 108 can drivingly rotate the wheel 103 relative to the lower body 101.

Abstract: An indicator system is provided that comprises an indicator positioned on a linear structure. The linear structure includes a portable linear structure having a proximal end and a distal end. The linear structure includes, for example, at least one of a hose, a fire hose, a cable, an electrical cable, a rope, a strap, and a tether device. The indicator includes directional markers positioned along the linear structure and oriented to identify a path to the proximal end. Each of the directional markers comprises a shape of an arrow, and a tip of the arrow points along the path to the proximal end. Additionally, the indicator can include a text string, for example, a text string comprising a word meaning “EXIT” or other similar term or phrase.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide an improved paper weight or article of desk furniture which shall be useful not only as a paper weight, but for the purposes of alerting other visitors that they may or may not disturb the person at this desk or location. This paperweight desk sign, being a 3-sided equilateral triangle, has 3 different front sides with wording on each of it's 3-sides informing others of the owner's mental temperament and/or intentions regarding if and how this sign's owner would or would not be disturbed by simply facing the desired wording (WELCOME, MAKE IT SHORT, or DO NOT DISTURB) in the direction of the visitor by turning the sign over.

Abstract: A sign for the display of perishable goods in a display case. The sign includes a front face and rear face, the front face being visible to a consumer when in use providing information to the consumer regarding the perishable goods. The rear face has at least one rotating dial, individual or folded panel for selection of at least one date on which the perishable goods would be removed from the display case.

Abstract: A body article combinable with a piece of clothing, footwear, etc., displays indicia, such as signs/logos/brands/trademarks, comprising an opening with counterpart door locking means attached to the opening's edge, hinge means attached to the opening's edges, a door member attached to the hinge means and capable of opening inside the body article. The door member includes door locking means attached to its outer face and aligned with the counterpart door locking means enabling their releasable coupling, and indicia holding means attached to its outer face. The article comprises an indicia bearing plate including counterpart indicia holding means attached to its inward face, and aligned with the indicia holding means enabling their releasable coupling; and indicia means disposed on its outward face for display. A modified embodiment comprises the indicia means directly disposed on the outer face of door member that is releasably coupled to the hinge means.

Abstract: There are disclosed several embodiments of label sets or arrays having a substantial capacity for printed information while maintaining all the labels of the array associated and properly oriented with respect to each other, wherein all the labels of each set or array can be printed in a printer. The labels of the array are preferably printed in transverse rows across a label web to increase the number of labels that can be carried on a roll.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a label (1) comprising at least one formable cup in the form of at least one cup sheet (2), and to a drinking system (100) comprising a container (102) with a label comprising at least one cup sheet (2). The label (1) comprises at least one cup sheet (2), each cup sheet (2) having an outer edge (12), a first surface, and a second surface (58), wherein the at least one cup sheet (2) is detachable from the label (1) and formable such that the at least one cup sheet (2) can be formed into at least one cup.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a linear series (110) of connected unitary sheet-like merchandise labeling articles (10), each of which comprises a labeling tag (12) flatly cojoined along a unifying flat bond zone (14) with a flexible elastic layer (16) that extends away from the tag (12) and includes an elastic fastening loop (20). Adjacent labeling articles (10) of the series (110) are ruptureably connected in a manner permitting the series (110) to be handled as a unit while at the same time permitting ruptureable separation of individual merchandise labeling articles (10) from the series (110). In one embodiment, the linear series (110) is wound into roll form (210).

Abstract: Two-stage trigger apparatus for use with firearms are described herein. An example trigger apparatus described herein includes a trigger and a sear arm operatively coupled to the trigger. The sear arm detachably couples to a first catch of a hammer of the firearm. A disconnector is pivotally coupled relative to the sear arm and detachably couples to a second catch of the hammer. At least one trigger spring operatively couples to the sear arm to bias the sear arm to an initial position. The trigger pivots relative to the sear arm between a first travel stop and a second travel stop of the sear arm, where the first travel stop prevents the trigger from pivotally moving relative to the sear arm in a first direction and the second travel stop prevents the trigger from pivotally moving relative to the sear arm in a second direction opposite the first direction. The trigger pivots between the first travel stop and the second travel stop relative to the sear arm.

Abstract: A rest for cleaning a rifle and for sighting a scope, a stock, and a bore of the rifle. The rest includes a base, a vise assembly, a fore-end support assembly, and an elevator assembly. The vise assembly adjusts for different-length rifles and clamps the stock of the rifle therein. The fore-end support assembly adjusts for the different-length rifles and supports the fore-end of the rifle thereon. The elevator assembly adjusts for the different-length rifles and supports the barrel of the rifle therein. The rest further includes a lapping tool, alignment tools, a stock alignment tool, a bore sighting tool, a centering tool, and a set of diopters. The lapping tool insures smoothness and proper interior profile of the mounting rings for a scope. The alignment tools insures that the scope fits properly without any binding or protrusions. The stock alignment tool lines up the stock of the gun so the gun is leveled. The bore sighting calibrates the scope. The centering tool cradles, centers, and supports the gun.

Abstract: A rotatable and retractable rear gun sight is disclosed. The rear gun sight is coupled to a body of a gun. Three different apertures are provided for rear sight viewing of targets of three different distances. The apertures can be rotated out of view or into use depending on the estimated target distance. The rear gun sight can also be flipped down.

Abstract: An autonomous decoy device is disclosed. The autonomous decoy comprises a decoy shell, a propulsion system, the propulsion system, a steering apparatus, a receiver, a memory, and a microcontroller. The decoy shell has a form resembling an animal in life size or near life size proportions. The propulsion system is adapted to move the decoy device in or on a desired medium and the steering apparatus is adapted to control the direction of movement of the decoy device. The receiver is adapted to receive an electromagnetic signal and determine a relative strength of the signal. The memory is adapted to store at least one instruction set. The microcontroller is adapted to control the propulsion system and the steering apparatus based on the at least one instruction set and the relative strength of the signal. Various autonomous routines and methods of use are further described herein.

Abstract: An improved fishing rod comprising a plurality of generally triangular shaped strips joined together to define an elongated body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a plurality of sides extending from the distal end to the proximal end. Each of the triangular strips has an exterior side that defines a side of the rod and two interior sides that define an angle opposite the exterior side. The angle opposite the exterior side of at least one of the triangular strips is greater than the angle opposite the exterior side of the remaining triangular strips.

Abstract: The DNA Sampling Hook is a significant improvement on a method of obtaining a tissue sample from a live fish in situ from an aquatic environment. A tissue sample taken from a live fish can be used for DNA analyses, which can identify the species of fish, as well as the unique individual fish. Taking a small tissue sample without bringing the fish to the surface is important as it allows for observing the fish community without harming the individual fish by inducing barotrauma or other stresses associated with bringing a fish up from depth, which can be lethal to the animal. These tissue samples are obtained by hook and line methods and do not capture or traumatize the fish resulting in a non-lethal and non-destructive method of observing fish individuals and species. The DNA Sampling Hook is specifically designed to virtually eliminate a condition called double bites, in which more than one individual fish gives up tissue to the same hook.

Abstract: The multi-function float/sinker of a plastic material provides either a quick attachment or removal from the fishing line 37 without the need for cutting the fishing line 37. The four-piece device has a hollow body 13 that is adapted to receive water or other material that has an overall specific gravity weight greater than one. It can serve as a float, or as a casting bubble or as a sinker. It has a water-tight snap-on cover 21 for the cavity 33 and on the opposite side of body 13 an insert 25 placed in slot 12, the two acting together form a passageway for the fishing line 37 or for the retainer 41.

Abstract: Described is a live bait keeper system having a housing. The housing has a plurality of housing holes defined at its bottom. A pump is situated in the interior of the housing. A power cord is attached to the pump, traveling from the housing for connection to a shore or dock-located power supply. A hose has a proximal end and a distal discharge end. The proximal end is attached to the pump and the discharge end is adapted to be placed in a livewell of a boat. A lid is utilized for the housing and has defined thereon a plurality of lid holes. A rope is attached to the handle of the housing, wherein the housing with the pump and the lid can be lowered and maintained within a body of water for pumping the water into the livewell.

Abstract: This unique, chemical-free, environmentally-friendly, No contamination, or poison The ultimate Trap contains two sections the upper section has Two parts A, and B. A, which is the portable pitch roof stayle to carry the bait Above the drowning hole to the second section. —B— The B, section is contain the two slippery slopes Ramb they go Down from zero To 8, inches or more. To get Rats, Mice to the Lower section(Tank) through 6,inches hole. The lower section is filled with water to drown and suffocated The rats,mice, mission accomplished. For the jampo Rats we need to use Tazer device with motion sensor Work when their is a visiters (jampo Rats). To deliver electric shock to the jampo Rats and make them drowsy And send them to their death to the lower section(Tank). Filled with water to drown them and finished the job.

Abstract: A gopher trap comprising has a first elongated body element pivotally attached at a substantially central point to a second elongated body element, a jaw structure at one end of each of the first and the second body elements such that the jaws close together by relative rotation of the body elements, a spring element placed to urge the first and second body elements apart on a side of the pivot point opposite the jaw elements, a moveable trigger mechanism spanning the two body elements on the jaw side of the pivot point, such that the trigger mechanism holds the jaws open until the trigger mechanism is tripped in a first direction, a tripping mechanism on the jaw side of the pivot point comprising a pivoted paddle extending forward and upward from a paddle pivot joined to one of the body elements, and a trip point that touches the movable trigger mechanism on one side, such that moving the paddle upward moves the trip point in the first direction.

Abstract: A termite control bait container includes an upper end portion opposite a lower end portion. The bait container includes a chamber containing a termite bait. The lower end portion includes an air-trapping pocket below at least a portion of the bait to reduce intrusion of water through the lower end portion when installed in a selected orientation at least partially below ground.

Abstract: A gasoline composition is disclosed comprising: (a) a major amount of gasoline; and (b) from 0.1 to 5 wt %, based on the overall gasoline composition, of a base oil having a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. of at least 1 cSt which is derived from the product of a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process.

Abstract: A device and method a provided for mixing and enhancing reaction between oil and a non-oil liquid by exploiting the formation, implosion and explosion of numerous cavitation bubbles within a cavitation device. Intense localized energy from the collapse of the cavitation bubbles subjects the mixture to intense heat and pressure, thereby accelerating reaction between the oil and non-oil liquid. In one embodiment, the non-oil liquid is an alcohol, and the cavitation device is used to enhance a transesterification reaction to convert the oil and alcohol into biodiesel in the presence of a catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and apparatus for the production of diesel fuel from feedstocks containing fatty acids, glycerated fatty acids, and glycerin by catalytic and/or non-catalytic pyrolysis followed by esterification. Specifically, the present invention relates to the production of Renewable Diesel having low glycerin, water, and sulfur content.

Abstract: Mixture of (a) polar oil-soluble nitrogen compounds which are capable of sufficiently dispersing paraffin crystals precipitated out under cold conditions in fuels, (b) oil-soluble acid amides formed from polyamides having from 2 to 1000 carbon atoms and C8- to C30-fatty acids or fatty acid-like compounds comprising free carboxyl groups and (c) oil-soluble reaction products formed from ?,?-dicarboxylic acids having 4 to 300 carbon atoms or derivatives thereof and primary alkylamines. The mixture mentioned is suitable as a paraffin dispersant in fuels, especially those having a biodiesel content.

Abstract: The biomass log fuel has not been commercialized due to difficulties in mass-producing the logs at low cost. The current invention solves this problem by introducing a three-step compaction process: pre-compaction, final compaction, and ejection. While a rotary feeder/compressor is used to perform pre-compaction, a ram driven by a toggle mechanism performs final compaction rapidly and efficiently. A press implementing the three-step compaction is designed and described. This invention should improve the cost-effectiveness of biomass solid fuel or feedstock. Biomass materials such as yard waste, corn stover and switchgrass are compacted at high pressure to form dense “biomass logs” without binder or heat. Biomass logs serve as a solid fuel for heating buildings, and as feedstock for bio-reactors for liquefaction or gasification. Densifying the uncompacted fluffy biomass reduces space needed for storage, decreases the number of vehicles needed to transport biomass, and increases the energy density of fuel.

Abstract: Roof construction for a greenhouse has two roof elements positioned at an angle, wherein first and second members extending between ridge and gutter are fitted in each roof element. The second members extend perpendicularly to the ridge/gutter and are members taking compressive load, while the first members joined thereto are members taking tensile load. There are tensioning members to introduce tension and pressure, respectively, into the construction. With this arrangement a particularly rigid whole is obtained. The tension members can be joined to ridge and gutter, but it is also possible to construct these with a shorter length.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tree support and cover system. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a tree stand configured for efficient transportation of a tree. The tree stand includes two sets of wheels for use in translating the tree. A first set of wheels is disposed below the tree stand and allows for conventional translation with an erect tree. A second set of wheels is disposed on the side of the tree stand and allows for tipped translation. The tree stand may also include an optional electrical system with one or more electrical items including a timer, a Ground Fault Interrupter outlet, a remote controlled positioning system, etc. A second embodiment of the present invention relates to a collapsible tree cover that can be used to efficiently transport and store the tree. The collapsible tree cover can be concealed within a tree stand or used as a skirt when it is collapsed below the tree.

Abstract: A method for creating a verified food source comprises planting verified seed in accordance with planting protocols to create a crop, growing the crop in accordance with crop protocols, harvesting the crop in accordance with harvest protocols to obtain grain, storing the grain in accordance with storage protocols, inspecting the grain to identify grain that meets predetermined grain standards, verifying the grain that meets the predetermined grain standards, feeding the verified grain to a certified food source, fostering the food source in accordance with fostering protocols, inspecting the food source to identify food source that meets the fostering protocols, and verifying the food source that meets the fostering protocols.