Abstract: A novel advanced materials blade has been invented. It is intended for use by professionals and other people who desire a high quality blade or other cutting tool. It offers many advantages, having an extraordinarily durable and long lasting edge and being tarnish free. The blade is composed of a superalloy from the cobalt-chrome-nickel ternary phase diagram; said blade having a body, and edge, and a tang. In an embodiment the blade edge is transmuted into a metallo-ceramic graded material using carbon to form carbides (-MC). These carbides are diffusion integrated into the superalloy, making this blade a graded material. In an additional embodiment the blase edge is atomically modified causing the excess carbon to form tetrahedral carbon (diamond). Applications of this novel advanced materials blade include professional chefs knifes, ice axe tools, and wood cutting axes.

Abstract: A gauge for determining the angle of sloped ground includes a panel, having a transparent window located in it, which can be held by a user so that the sloped ground can be viewed through the window. The panel has a spatial reference associated with it which allows the panel to be oriented properly with respect to the horizontal or vertical. Inscribed on the window are a positioning indicia and a plurality of lines which radiate outwardly from the positioning indicia at specific angles with respect to the horizontal. In use the panel is held such that the positioning indicia is located on the slope. The user can then determine which one of the lines overlies the slope. The angle associated with that line is the angle of the slope.

Abstract: A gyroscopically-oriented survey tool, includes a housing having an axis. Three accelerometers are mounted in the housing with their axes set orthogonally. A first of the axes is aligned to the axis of the housing. A second of the axes is perpendicular to the first A third of the axes is perpendicular to both of the first and the second. Three gyroscopes are mounted pseudo-orthogonally in the housing with their axes set at relative angles of other than 90 degrees. None of the axes of the gyroscopes are mounted parallel to the axes of the accelerometers. This configuration permits data from the accelerometers to be used to check the quality of data from the gyroscopes.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine (1) comprising a base (2) provided with guides (3) parallel ? to a first axis X, a first carriage (4) mobile on the guides (3) along the axis X and provided with an upright (17), a second carriage (6) carried by the upright (17) and mobile along a second vertical axis Z, and a horizontal arm (7) carried by the second carriage (6) and mobile along a third horizontal axis Y perpendicular to the axis X; the guides (3) of the first carriage (4) are arranged underneath a top wall (12) of the base (2), which is therefore flat and treadable.

Abstract: A tape measure having a winding drum or reel rotatably mounted on a support structure, and a measuring tape attached to the drum so as to be coilable thereon. The support structure comprises a handle that extends radially beyond an upper half of the coiled tape and a bottom edge portion that extends radially beyond a lower half of the coiled tape, the bottom edge portion comprising a hand grip.

Abstract: A measuring device includes a frame, a rolling wheel carried by the frame, measuring means for determining a distance traveled by the wheel, and signal means responsive to the measuring means for indicating when the wheel has traveled a preselected set distance. The measuring device may also include marking means such as spray paint, a braking mechanism, and a sonar position indicator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for selecting products, in particular tyre patches, depending on the size of damage previously done to the tyre. For this purpose, two legs (1, 2) are connected in a rotatable manner to a hinge joint (3). The legs (1, 2) have tapering areas (4) in the area of the measuring ends. A power element (5) is positioned in such a way that the legs (1, 2) are returned to the starting position upon completion of the selection process. In the area of the measuring ends of the legs (1, 2), projections (6) are formed which are oriented in a direction of movement which corresponds to a movement separating the tapering areas (4) of the legs (1, 2). On at least one of the legs (1, 2), a display area (7) is provided in which during the selection process at least one product is selected or displayed depending on the position of the other leg (1) in the display area (7).

Abstract: There is a hot stick with measuring calipers. The hot stick has a hot stick stock and a hot stick driving bar. Movement of the hot stick driving bar controls the movement of fixed and movable jaw portions of internal and external caliper measurement jaws. In operation a dimension measuring element displays a distance between the fixed and movable jaw portions of the internal and external caliper measuring jaws. A hand grip allows an operator to move the hot stick driving bar relative to the hot stick driving bar. The hot stick stock and the hot stick driving bar both at least partially made of a dielectric material to allow measurements of at least one component of electrical power transmission equipment. The measurements may then be used to modify the electrical power transmission equipment.

Abstract: A front control panel assembly is mounted to an upper portion of a laundry appliance cabinet. The control panel has upper and lower spaced apart support brackets, each having a slot having a guiding portion and a trough. A heat shield is mounted to the cabinet and has four spaced apart cantilever posts each having a shaft portion and an end portion received in the support brackets to support the control panel to the cabinet. The lower support brackets secure the corresponding shaft portion via a clasp portion. The secured control panel can move only in opposite first and second radial directions relative the axis of the shaft portion. The guiding portion helps locate the cantilever posts relative the support brackets. A screw passing frontally through the control panel secures it to the heat shield. Cantilever post support bracket cooperation inhibits control panel rotation about the axis of the screw.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method for using heat energy in a gypsum board plant. More specifically, the method contemplates taking heat from a gasifier, or other alternative heat source, and using it to dry gypsum boards. In order to control humidity levels, this heat is delivered to one or more board dryers via a heat exchanger.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a sterilizable drying machine using ultraviolet radiation, and a sterilizable drying method in the same. The sterilizable drying machine using ultraviolet radiation includes a casing having an inlet at its front surface, so that the user can put the washed laundry into the drying machine through the inlet, a drum supported by a front supporter inside the inlet of the casing, and rotatably installed inside the casing, to perform drying, an ultraviolet light source installed at the front supporter, for sterilizing the inside of the drum by radiating ultraviolet rays, and a control means connected to the ultraviolet light source, for controlling the ultraviolet light source to generate the ultraviolet rays.

Abstract: Impact-attenuating elements include a plurality of impact-attenuating members and a means for releasably securing the impact-attenuating element to at least one of the upper member or the sole member of a piece of footwear or other foot-receiving device. The impact-attenuating elements may be included in the footwear or other foot-receiving devices in a selectively removable manner so that a user, retailer, or another can customize and freely select an appropriate element, e.g., depending on user preferences, characteristics of the user, characteristics of the intended use, and the like.

Abstract: Support elements for footwear or other products include: (a) a base member having first and second major surfaces; and (b) an extending arm having a free end for engaging a portion of a footwear structure. The extending arm may engage and further support a heel-supporting portion or other structural portion of an article of footwear or other foot-receiving device. Such foot-receiving devices may include: (a) a foot-covering member (such as a footwear upper); (b) a foot-supporting member (such as a footwear sole structure) engaged with the foot-covering member; and (c) a lateral-reinforcing member that includes an extending arm engaged with at least one of the foot-covering member or the foot-supporting member.

Abstract: Provided are, among other things, shoes and shoe components, together with systems, methods and techniques for manufacturing the same. One representative embodiment involves a shoe that includes: a sole having a main structure; a strap anchor that has attachment points and is at least partially embedded within the main structure; and a strap that is attached to and/or looped through one or more of such attachment points and that is configured for strapping the shoe to a wearer's foot. Also, in this embodiment, the strap anchor includes a number of strap anchor components attached in a unit, each such strap anchor component including a number of the attachment points and being at least partially embedded within the main structure.

Abstract: Footwear with energy accumulation is presented. In a first version, the footwear comprises a sole, back, associated therewith, and fixation means coupled with the sole and back for securing a user's foot on the sole. The sole and back are disposed at an initial angle exceeding 90° therebetween, and form a leaf spring, while being arms of the spring. Alternatively, the leaf spring is made separate from the sole and back, having two arms respectively coupled with them. In a second version, the footwear comprises a sole including a frontal portion and a rear portion, the frontal portion is formed as a console spring downwardly bent out and cantileveredly secured to the rear portion, and fixation means for securing the user's foot on the sole, coupled therewith and depressing the front part of the foot against the spring. The portions are disposed at an initial angle therebetween less than 180°.

Abstract: The present invention relates to articles with cavities capable of receiving objects as a result of extending an opening into a cavity capable of receiving the objects. For example, the opening in an article of footwear can be extended into the toe box to allow for the easier insertion and removal of a foot. The present invention also relates to systems that permit the article to be secured to the object after it has been inserted.

Abstract: A shoe heel support device for providing support and stability to a heel of a shoe when worn, is described. The support device is includes an attachment means for fastening the device to the heel of a shoe, and a ground contacting surface. The ground contacting surface contacts a surface of ground in use, such that a generally downwards force applied by a wearer of the shoe to a base of the shoe heel is distributed over an area that is greater than that of a surface area of the base of the shoe heel. The device is particularly useful for application in instances where a high heeled shoe is being worn upon surfaces that are soft, by preventing or inhibiting the heel of the shoe from sinking into the ground.

Abstract: An upright induction chamber (100) is positioned within a melting tank (24) of a snow melting apparatus (20). The melting tank is filled with melting water. Shredded snow from a hopper assembly (22) is introduced into the upper end of the induction chamber along with heated melting water, to be mixed by an impeller fan pump (110) that is operated to force the melting water at sufficient speed through the induction chamber to overcome the buoyancy of the snow, thereby facilitating uniform distribution of the snow across the induction chamber and good mixing of the snow with the melting water. A portion of the liquid composed of the melted snow and melting water from the induction chamber is expelled from the melting tank, and a portion of the liquid from the induction chamber passes through a heat exchanger (34) positioned within the heating tank to be heated thereby and then re-introduced into the upper portion of the induction chamber.

Abstract: A multipurpose bucket for a front end loader is provided. The multipurpose bucket includes a second frame rotatably connected to a first frame to provide a pincer configuration and a scooping configuration. The first frame includes a bottom of the rear bucket wall; a pair of rear side walls with a plurality of pincer teeth; and a plurality of support arms extending from the rear bucket wall. The second frame includes a bucket floor having a pincer end and a scraper end; a pair of circular front side walls extending from the bucket floor to the pivot point, which increases the volume of the bucket and reduces spills; a plurality of pincer teeth extending from the pincer end of the front side walls; a rear plate extending from each of the pivots, attached to the front side walls, which forms the top of the rear bucket wall which increases the volume of the bucket; and a scraper blade extending from the scraper end of the bucket floor.

Abstract: A lock for securing a wear part to earth-working equipment that is foldable between a retaining position to hold the wear part to the equipment and a release position that permits removal of the lock and release of the wear part from the equipment. The lock includes a retainer for releasably holding the lock in the retaining position. The retainer may comprise a threaded wedge received into a complementary threaded passage.

Abstract: This application relates to systems and methods for stretching artistic media, such as watercolor paper and/or canvas. In particular, this application discusses an artistic media stretcher and associated methods. Generally, the media stretcher includes a frame on which the medium is stretched and a hinged clamping mechanism that is adapted to both stretch the medium and to secure the medium to the frame. Some examples of suitable hinged clamping mechanisms include a double-hinged; single-hinged, tongue-and-catch; a barbell-hinged, half-barbell hinged, and a hybrid-hinged clamping mechanism. In some cases, the media stretcher is made so that paint can run off the medium without collecting at the edges. For example, the medium may be raised above the closest edges of the hinged-clamping mechanism so that paint is not retained in contact with the medium by the clamping mechanism.

Abstract: On a name badge, the rear part (2) of which, formed as a plastic injection moulded part, has a hook-shaped clamping limb (10) for the attachment of the name badge to an item of clothing, the clamping limb (10) is provided with a slot (14) into which an abutment (15) projects to improve the seating of the name badge on the item of clothing.

Abstract: A greeting card includes a body portion that defines an interior cavity. A sentiment panel is slidably received in the cavity via an opening in the body portion. The sentiment panel is movable from a concealed position, where a portion thereof is received in the interior cavity and obstructed from view by the body portion, to an extended position, where the portion is outside the body and is visible. Electrical components may be positioned inside the interior cavity and activated upon movement of the panel from the concealed position to the extended position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an advertising display, which is used in displaying advertising posters in an illuminated manner, said advertising display comprising a protecting body profile (1), a covering profile (2), a white background material (4) where such poster is attached, and a transparent protector (5) positioned on said poster; and furthermore, at least one a hinge profile that retains the transparent protector (5) in order to easily attach/replace such poster, and to prevent said transparent protector (5) from becoming damaged; at least one magnetic profile and at least one magnetic tape that fasten the moving edge of the transparent protector (5) to the body profile (1) after a poster is attached; and a multitude number of clips retaining the poster between the background (4) and transparent protector (5).

Abstract: An example embodiment of a sign holder comprises a display support member configured to carry a sign without adherence of the sign to the display support member; an attachment member which is connected to the display support member so that the attachment member can be oriented relative to the display support display member at a selected one of a range of maintainable pivot angles; and means for securing the attachment member to an external surface.

Abstract: Gust Busters solves the problem of signs being blown over in the wind or being knocked down by the pedestrians or bicycle or the like, by preventing the inward collapsing and outward expansion of the legs of the sign and thus maintaining its ideal position for optimum readability.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a multi-purpose, double paneled, convertible apparatus which may be used as a protective holder and/or wall display for a diploma, certificate, photograph or the like. The apparatus may provide a safe and secure manner for receiving, holding, transporting, protecting, and/or storing, for example, the diploma, certificate, photograph or the like and further may quickly be converted to provide an attractive display for hanging the diploma, certificate, photograph or the like on a wall. In addition, the apparatus may be used to display the diploma, certificate, photograph or the like on, for example, a table. The apparatus may have a first panel which may be connected to a second panel. Further, the first panel may rotate with respect to the second panel. The second panel may store the diploma, certificate, photograph or the like while the first panel may provide a cover for the diploma, certificate, photograph or the like.

Abstract: An antidismantling device for preventing dismantling of a hand-gun when a cartridge is present in the barrel (102) of the hand-gun, the barrel (102) being mounted in a breech block (110), and a guide pin (123), which is biased at least indirectly in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the barrel (102), is slidably mounted in a bearing (113) in the breech block (110), and one end of the guide pin at least indirectly abuts a contact surface (121) for making contact with part of a cartridge (101), and the position of the guide pin in relation to the breech block (110) when a cartridge (101) is present in the barrel (102) differs from the position thereof assumed in the absence of a cartridge (101) in the barrel (102) is created in that the guide pin (123) interacts at least indirectly with a safety mechanism (141) provided on the grip of the hand-gun in order to prevent dismantling of the breech block (110) when a cartridge (101) is present in the barrel (102) of the handgun.

Abstract: A splatter indicator sight for use with a firearm taking one or more variables affecting the bullet trajectory under consideration to create a risk zone map of the different zones which can be hit after the user has aimed the firearm at a target. In embodiments of the invention, the boundaries of the most probable hit zones can be quickly indicated to the user by the risk zone map. The risk zone map is illustratively created by projecting a laser beam directly on the target.

Abstract: A fishing lure having a head portion with a first side and a second side. A first eye socket is positioned on the first side of the head portion and a second eye socket is positioned on the second side of the head portion. Each of the first and second eye sockets is substantially semi-spherical shape and each of said first and second eye sockets is coated with a fluorescent substance of substantially uniform application. A first eye component is fixedly secured in at least a portion of the first eye socket and a second eye component is fixedly secured in at least a portion of the second eye socket. Each of the first and second eye components comprise a transparent, substantially spherical material.

Abstract: A collapsible trap (10) particularly suitable as a crab pot for trapping crabs. The collapsible trap (10) comprises a frame structure (13) having a central axis and pliant material such as netting (15) attached to the frame structure (13). A haul line (11) is connected to the frame structure (13). The frame structure (13) comprises a plurality of elongate frame elements (31). The frame structure (13) is moveable between a retracted condition in which the frame elements (31) extend generally parallel to central axis and an extended condition in which the frame elements (31) extend outwardly of the central axis giving form and shape to the netting (15) to provide an enclosure (17) defining an entrapment zone (19). When the frame structure (13) is in the retracted condition, the netting (15) can be wrapped about the frame structure (13) to assume a compact condition for storage and transportation.

Abstract: A wax comprises a metathesis product and/or a product that resembles, at least in part, a product which may be formed from a metathesis reaction. The wax may be used to form articles, for example, candles (container candles, votive candles, and/or a pillar candles), crayons, fire logs, or tarts. The wax commonly includes other components in addition to the metathesis product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming a lipid or a lipid mixture from an organic source material comprising cellulose, hemicellulose, starch, non-starch polysaccharide, any mixture thereof or degradation products thereof. According to the method, the source material is treated one or more times with water, an aqueous solution of acid or alkali, and the precipitate and the filtrate are separated. The precipitate obtained from the treatments mentioned above can be subjected to mechanical or thermo-mechanical grinding, or the precipitate can be treated with a strong acid, or the precipitate can be acidified and ground mechanically or thermo-mechanically. After the treatments, the precipitate and the filtrate are separated. A lipid-producing microorganism is contacted with the source material or the obtained filtrate(s) in a culture medium, whereby the microorganism cells begin to produce lipid, and the lipids are recovered.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of controlling by-products or pollutants from fuel combustion, comprising corn-busting a fuel containing a dispersion, the dispersion comprises: (a) a mixture of at least two metal bases, wherein each metal of the metal bases has an average oxidation state of (+2) or higher, (b) at least one surfactant; and (c) at least one organic medium, wherein the metal bases are uniformly dispersed in the organic medium.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for producing ultra-low-sulfur content hydrocarbon fuel and product thereof. The method comprises selective biocatalytic oxidation of sulfur containing compounds present in the fuels employing enzyme lipase as biocatalyst in presence of controlled and incremental amount of hydrogen peroxide and carboxylic acid without using water or any co-factor for the reactivity of said enzymes.

Abstract: The present invention related to a fuel additive package for a low-sulfur diesel fuel made up of specific grades of fatty acids higher in di-unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid blended in an aromatic solvent and a compatibilizer mixture which consists of low molecular weight alcohols and low molecular weight acylated nitrogen compound, which is the reaction product of alkyl succinic anhydride and an alkanolamine.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for manufacturing fatty acid alkyl esters from tall oil comprising the steps of a) esterifying tall oil in at least one esterification reactor in the presence of an acidic catalyst and an C1 to C8 alcohol to form a crude product stream comprising fatty acid alkyl esters and H2O, b) separating H2O and alcohol from the crude product stream formed in step a) to form a dehydrated fatty acid alkyl ester product stream, and c) separating dehydrated fatty acid alkyl ester product stream from step b) into at least two product streams wherein one product stream is enriched in fatty acid alkyl esters and one product stream is enriched in resin acid compounds. There are disclosed fatty acid alkyl esters and resin acids manufactured by the method. Moreover there is disclosed a fuel composition and its use as an automotive fuel, said fuel composition comprises the fatty acid alkyl esters produced according to the present invention.

Abstract: A process, system and apparatus is provided for passivating carbonaceous material against spontaneous combustion. The process involves drying the carbonaceous material in a low oxygen environment and pre-conditioning the carbonaceous material by contacting it with volatile matter contained in a countercurrent gas stream. The volatile matter coats the particles of dried carbonaceous material and plugs the micropores of the dried carbonaceous material, thereby passivating it against adsorption of water and oxygen, and thus spontaneous combustion. The pre-conditioned dried material then undergoes devolatilisation at temperatures at which volatile matter is evolved. The evolved volatile matter mixes with the countercurrent gas stream and is used to pre-condition dried carbonaceous material located upstream.

Abstract: Particulate compositions are described comprising an intimate mixture of a biomass char producedfrom the combustion of a biomass, such as switchgrass or hybrid poplar, with at least a second carbonaceous material, such as petroleum coke or coal, and, optionally a gasification catalyst, for gasification in the presence of steam to yield a plurality of gases including methane and at least one or more of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and other higher hydrocarbons are formed. Processes are also provided for the preparation of the particulate compositions and converting the particulate composition into a plurality of gaseous products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the coking of coal, in particular coal with a high or alternating volatility, in coking plants comprising coking chambers, according to the non-recovery method or the heat-recovery method. The invention also relates to a device, which can be used to carry out said method simply, as the overheating of the coking furnace is prevented by the injection of water vapour. If a battery of coking furnaces is used, the disclosed method can be carried out irrespective of the number of said furnaces.

Abstract: The current invention relates to a process to accelerate growth and regenerate lawns whereby the lawn (2) is at least partially surrounded on the top by a space (4) that is open downward and surrounded on all sides and whereby CO2 is fed into the space (4) and the space (4) covered by the lawn (2) is outfitted with a lighting system (14) and is subjected to light and a device for executing this process.

Abstract: A plant and watering and feeding device (10) including an elongate tubular body having an upper portion (38) and a lower portion (16), said elongate tubular body having a hollow cavity for receiving water and feed therein, said upper portion (38) having an opening (14) in fluid communication with said hollow cavity for supplying said water and feed into said device (10), said lower portion (16) having a plurality of apertures (18) in fluid communication with said hollow cavity and the exterior of said device (10), wherein said device (10) is positionable relative to a plant such that said lower portion (16) of said device (10) is surrounded by soil proximate the roots of said plant, and wherein said water and feed may be introduced into said device (10) through said opening (14) and subsequently slowly released into said soil proximate said roots of said plant via said apertures (18).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for increasing the amount of enzymes in a grain by germinating the grain in conditions in which the grain is wounded. The invention also relates to hydrolases obtainable from grains for use in food processing and manufacturing industries, to the germination of grains such as barley and to isolation of enzymes from grains.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support for holding floating plant species cultures, said support being configured to be held by at least two independent supporting elements (10). The support comprises a planar lattice structure (1) having at least one housing (2-3) configured to house at least one seed, plant, part of a plant and/or combinations thereof, and at least two anchoring elements (5-6) for the anchoring to the independent supporting elements (10) configured to compensate the moments and forces generated by the portion of the plant projecting from the water level with respect to the point of intersection of said portion with the plane defined by the structure (1), until a growth stage in which the plant survives and reproduces on its own upon proliferation of the roots and/or rhizomes thereof, and to transmit said moments and forces to the independent supporting elements (10).

Abstract: A feed gas conditioner.

Abstract: The present invention provides carbon-containing adsorbent materials as well as processes for making them and processes for using them to remove contaminants from fluids.

Abstract: A method for converting animal waste, in the form of waste slurry, to energy and useful byproducts. A screen mesh filters out large objects from waste slurry and the filtered slurry is chopped and fragmented to reduce binding of fibrous materials. The fragmented slurry is mixed at a rate to maintain solids in the fragmented slurry in suspension while minimizing aeration and turbulence within the mixing unit. A solids recovery unit recovers about 95% of the suspended solids. An additive is introduced into the solids recovery unit for providing agglomeration of solids particles. The recovered solids are gasified to produce at least methane/ethane gas. The produced gas is provided to an energy production unit to generate electrical and/or heat energy. Liquid remaining after the solids recovery is treated to remove undesirable contaminants to an extent in compliance with water quality standards set for animal waste flushing, animal washing and animal drinking water, as the case may be.

Abstract: Integrated catalytic gasification processes are provided involving generating steam for converting carbonaceous materials to combustible gases, such as methane. Generally, steam generated from the combustion of a biomass is provided to a catalytic gasifier, wherein under appropriate temperature and pressure conditions, a carbonaceous feedstock is converted into a plurality of product gases, including, but not limited to, methane, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Processes for the generation of steam are provided for use in an integrated catalytic gasification process for converting carbonaceous materials to combustible gases, such as methane. Generally, the exhaust gas from a steam generating reactor is provided along with steam, a carbonaceous feedstock, and a gasification catalyst, to a catalytic gasifier, wherein under appropriate temperature and pressure conditions, the carbonaceous feedstock is converted into a plurality of product gases, including, but not limited to, methane, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. As substantially all the carbon dioxide produced from the steam generation process and the gasification process are subsequently directed though gas purification and separation processes, substantially all the carbon dioxide may be recovered, yielding a process having a near zero carbon footprint.

Abstract: Particulate compositions are described comprising an intimate mixture of a coal and a gasification catalyst. The particulate compositions are gasified in the presence of steam to yield a plurality of gases including methane and at least one or more of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia and other higher hydrocarbons. Processes are also provided for the preparation of the particulate compositions and converting the particulate composition into a plurality of gaseous products.