Abstract: A shoe is provided with a writing surface so that temporary expressive indicia can be applied to the shoe. The writing surface is preferably in the form of a side surface of the shoe extending between a tread and a foot contacting surface of the shoe. The side surface is preferably formed of patent leather compatible with a dry erase marker provided as a writing implement. In a most preferred form of the invention, the shoe includes a bore which acts as a housing for the marker or other writing implement to conveniently store the writing implement when not in use. The bore or other housing also keeps the writing implement fresh by sealing the writing implement within the bore when not in use, especially when the writing implement is a dry erase marker.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprising a plurality of strips is disclosed. The connections between continuous portions of the article can be strengthened by weaving a plurality of strips through apertures disposed in one or more continuous portions. One continuous portion may include a tongue portion of an article. The attachment of the tongue portion to a front of an article may be strengthened by weaving a plurality of strips through apertures.

Abstract: Linked articles and a method for customizing the linked articles are disclosed. The linked articles comprise a first link matrix and a second link matrix comprising a first portion of the article and a second portion of the article, respectively. The first link matrix consists essentially of links of a first material and the second link matrix consists essentially of links of a second material.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper. The sole assembly has a top plate and a bottom plate positioned below the top plate. A plurality of support columns extends between the top plate and the bottom plate, with each support column formed of a plurality of fluid-filled bladders. Each bladder has a first surface, an opposed second surface, and a tensile member joined to the first and second surfaces.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper. The sole assembly includes a top plate, a bottom plate positioned below the top plate, and a plurality of support assemblies extending between the upper plate and the midsole. Each support assembly includes a fluid-filled bladder and a retaining member surrounding the fluid-filled bladder.

Abstract: One embodiment of a shoe accessory may include a decorative covering and a peel-off layer. The decorative covering is configured to be attached on a portion of a shoe. The decorative covering may include a first surface and a second surface. The first surface may include an adhesive for affixing the decorative covering with the portion of the shoe. The second surface may include a decoration. The peel-off layer is bound with the adhesive on the first surface. Peeling off the peel-off layer exposes the adhesive. The exposed adhesive is capable of attaching the decorative covering on the portion of the shoe. In another embodiment, a method for modifying an appearance of a shoe is disclosed. In yet another embodiment a shoe with a decorative covering attached thereon is disclosed.

Abstract: Footwear, in the category of a sandal, and which may include a thong, slide-on, clog, or related structured sandal, wherein one side or the other of a tongue, upper vamp, or sandal strap may be adhered to an upper part of the sandal sole, or its vamp or cross strap, so that one side of the sandal strap structure may be displayed during its wearing, and can be turned to expose its opposite surface for varying the styling of the worn sandal. The tongue, upper vamp, or strap may be secured by a fastening device, such as a swivel, that allows for turning of these components to expose a selected surface in order to vary the aesthetics and appearance of the worn sandal.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a pivot portion including a plurality of flex grooves is disclosed. The plurality of flex grooves provides increased flexibility in different portions of a sole of the article. In addition, a periphery of the sole includes sole pods to increase the traction on the periphery of the sole.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a gripping system is disclosed. The gripping system helps to enhance the wearer's ability to contact an athletic ball during kicking. The gripping system can be centered about a region where the wearer tends to kick the ball, and the gripping system can be distributed in a pattern that provides an even or symmetric contact area with the ball.

Abstract: A cleat for footwear. The cleat includes a base layer that attaches to the outsole of the footwear, a cushioning layer and a traction element layer. The traction element layer is attached to the base layer solely by the cushioning layer. Each of the cleat layers provides friction with the ground when the cleat engages the ground. The durometer of the base layer and the durometer of the traction element layer are greater than the durometer of the cushioning layer. When a user steps on a surface wearing a shoe outfitted with these cleats, the resilience of the cushioning layer at once both lessens the impact of the traction elements on the ground surface and lessens the reaction force on the user's foot transmitted through the shoe's outsole. The user's comfort is thereby enhanced.

Abstract: A protective cover for a bicyclist cleated shoe includes a thin flexible body member arranged in a generally cylindrical shape having a hollow interior and an engagement area disposed at the interior of the body member configured to receive and retain a cleat extending from the bicyclist shoe such that the cleat is covered by the engagement area and/or the body member, where the body member is configured to be disposed on the shoe in a position of engagement in which the cleat is received and retained at the engagement area and a position of disengagement where the body member remains secured to the shoe while the cleat is free from contact with the engagement area and is exposed for attachment to a pedal of the bicycle.

Abstract: The waterproof/breathable moisture transfer liner for a running and hiking shoe includes an inner liner selected from technically advanced fabrics which are carefully selected. A series of layers are provided outside the inner liner including foam material layers, breathable membranes, a supportive mesh or a moldable foam, and an outer shell fabric. The applicability of the liner to alpine, snowboard boots, cross country, hiking boots, protective gear and helmets, along with appropriate variations for each application.

Abstract: An attachment system to fasten a power system to a frame of a loader is discussed. The frame has a proximal end, a distal end, and first and second opposing sides. The power system has an engine, and an arrangement of one or more hydraulic pumps attached to the engine. The attachment system has first and second connection points positioned in close proximity to a center of gravity of the power system relative to the direction between the proximal and distal ends of the loader. The attachment system also has a third connection point positioned distally from the first and second connection points, wherein the positions of the first, second and third connection points connect the power system to the frame to allow most of the weight of the power system to be loaded onto the first and second connection points.

Abstract: A machine includes an axle assembly coupled with a frame and defining a central axis. The axle assembly includes a wheel axle disposed within a spindle housing, and a rotary actuator configured to rotate the wheel axle about the central axis by rotating the spindle housing. According to one embodiment, for example, the rotary actuator may be configured to adjust a wheel axis of rotation relative to the frame of a machine, such as a scraper, by rotating the spindle housing.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a trenching machine has at least one roller assembly comprising a body rotationally supported by an axle exteriorly mounted to a trenching chain or wheel. At least a portion of the body comprises a substantially conical shape.

Abstract: Couplers for attaching an accessory to an excavator arm of an excavator. Couplers having a first side for attaching the coupler to the excavator arm and a second side onto which the accessory will be coupled. The coupler includes a latch for selectively securing and releasing an attachment pin of the accessory in a jaw, groove, hook or slot in the second side of the coupler. The coupler is fully controllable from within the cab of the excavator and it allows improved security in the securement of the accessory to the coupler, i.e. preventing accidental decouplings, but while still allowing intentional decoupling operations to be carried out without undue burden.

Abstract: The invention relates to an iron (1) comprising a soleplate (3) having a garment-contact surface (5) and having a means for accommodating an antimicrobial agent. By contacting the garment-contact surface with the piece of garment, as is being done during ironing, the antibacterial agent is transferred to the garment. The antimicrobial agent is disposed on the garment by simply placing the iron on the garment and moving it over the garment surface. The garment stays fresher for a longer period of time. The invention further relates to a soleplate, a steam ironing device and methods of manufacturing an iron and a soleplate, respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steam iron that comprises a housing including a tank (5) above a heating body and a safety device that protects the tank (5) against overpressure, the heating body (3) comprising a vaporisation chamber supplied with liquid from the tank (5) by a supply circuit, characterised in that said supply circuit includes a member (93) extending inside the tank (5) and having an opening (12) blocked by a valve (94A), said valve (94A) opening a passage through said opening (12) when the pressure inside the tank (5) reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: An alternating sign assembly includes a sheet of light permeable material comprising a front surface and a rear surface; a front design that includes a front design layer; a silhouette pattern including light-restricting imaging material, said front design being superimposed on or forming a part of the silhouette pattern, said silhouette pattern subdividing said sheet into a plurality of discrete areas of said imaging material and/or a plurality of discrete areas devoid of said imaging material; a switchable front source of artificial illumination of said front design; a rear design disposed rearwardly of the front design; and a switchable rear source of artificial illumination of said rear design. The sources of illumination may be alternately turned on to make the front and rear designs alternately visible to an observer in front of the assembly.

Abstract: A versatile, animated cake decoration that can be used with a cake to celebrate various occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and the like. The cake decoration can be partially embedded in the upper surface of the cake so as to simulate a face that has moving eyes and a moving mouth. The apparatus includes a battery that powers a mechanism that moves the eyes and the mouth and also powers a sound generator that can play a number of different songs and greetings to fit the celebration. The apparatus is safe and is constructed from non-toxic materials so it can safely be used on food products such as cake.

Abstract: A scrolling display device and method are provided in accordance with the invention. The scrolling display device includes an LED illuminator panel that provides light and a support surface for a flexible image-containing web that can be positioned adjacent and at least in close proximity to the surface of the LED illuminator panel to backlight and display that portion of the web. The web can be selectively moved to display desired images contained on the web.

Abstract: An illuminated emergency sign comprises a main body, a rotary body, side covers, a circuit board, a LED lamp indicator, an acrylic sign panel, and a canopy. The acrylic sign panel is connected to the lower end of the rotary body. In the rotary body is disposed a LED lamp panel. The LED lamp indicator is disposed on the LED lamp panel. The rotary body is rotatably connected to the lower end of the main body. In the main body is disposed a battery. The side covers are connected to both ends of each of the main body and the rotary body. The canopy is disposed on the top of the main body. The sign panel of such an illuminated emergency sign can be rotated within 180 degrees and fixed at a proper angle under action of the friction.

Abstract: An illuminated signboard with edge effect for attachment to a support member includes a light guide having a body with a first face and an opposite second face and a light entry well formed therein. The second face includes a reverse bevel edge formed along a perimeter edge of the second face. The reverse bevel provides a luminous effect and directs light forward so that exits through the first face of a light guide in the form of an illuminated perimeter and the reverse bevel also provides an luminous halo cast on the support member in a band that exceeds and surrounds a physical perimeter of the signboard as a result of light being directed in an oblique, rearward manner relative to the light guide.

Abstract: Trigger apparatus for use with firearms are described herein. An example electronic trigger apparatus described herein includes a first actuation drive to move an actuation member between an initial position and an operating position at which the actuating member is to activate a trigger lever of the firearm to discharge the firearm. A clutch is movable between a first position to operatively couple the first actuation drive to the actuation member and a second position to releasably couple the first actuation drive from the actuation member. A second actuation drive is operatively coupled to the actuation member and biases the actuation member to the initial position when the first actuation drive is releasably coupled from the actuating member via the clutch.

Abstract: A firearm security device including a surface mountable frame to which a first plate and a second movable plate are attached. A grip pad is attached to each of the opposing inner sides of the fixed and movable plates. A trigger guard stud is attached to and projects from the inner face of the fixed plate. The movable second plate is movable with respect to the first plate from an open position wherein a firearm is positioned with the trigger guard stud projecting through the trigger guard of the firearm, to a closed position where the movable plate is positioned substantially parallel to the fixed plate and at least a portion of the receiver of the firearm is held in a compressive grip between the grip pads. A lock selectively restricts movement of the second movable plate.

Abstract: Anchor for vest mounted assault weapon is disclosed which may be used for a body armor vest to provide a secure method of removably affixing the anchor. A conventional assault rifle may be removably affixed to the anchor. Once so affixed to the vest, the assault rifle is held firmly with the rear of the stock in an appropriate firing position. The anchor may also be used as a hands-free carrying device for the assault rifle.

Abstract: A self adjusting throw lever and rail clamp system for use with sighting equipment where there is a need to efficiently remove or interchange sighting equipment on a host mounting surface. The throw lever self adjusts to compensate for variations in the host mounting surface, such as an angular rail, and utilizes a buffer to prevent the surface of the mounting surface from becoming marred. No tool is required to adjust the throw lever releasable mounting system as the system has an internal means to self adjust to fit the mounting surface. Once the throw lever is secured in the closed position, tension placed by a thru shaft on the housing of the throw lever prevents free movement of the throw lever.

Abstract: The measuring rod is a measuring system applied graphically to the shaft of an existing fishing rod blank, in U.S. standard inches or alternatively metrics. that allows the fisherman to measure the length of his catch. The measuring system starts at the base of the fishing rod above the handle and goes up to four feet of the length of the fishing rod shaft. The measuring system has numerical indicators at every six inch interval.

Abstract: The lure of the present invention may include a main housing and one or more tumblers which may tumble and strike the inside walls of the main housing when the lure is rotated, resulting in emission of a fish-attractive clicking noise. The main housing may be fitted with one or more swivel eyelet members for tangle-free line and tackle attachment. The lure may include one or more spinner blades or propeller blades to drive rotation of the main housing. The main housing and/or tumbler(s) may be any of a variety of shapes, sizes, and lengths to create sounds in a wide range of frequencies for catching different kinds of fish, and materials from which the main housing and tumbler(s) are made may further impact frequency, pitch, and range of sound emitted.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide devices and methods for adjustably and reversibly engaging a line (e.g., fishing lines, ropes, string, cable, wire, cords) at an engagement position and/or for demarcating positions/spans along a line. The inventive line-stop members are reversibly disengagable, and thereby slidably adjustable and positionable along a line, and can be used to define a user-selectable range or span. Particular embodiments comprise: an elongated line-clamping member having at least one pair of line-clamping arms and having a longitudinal axial bore suitable to allow slidable passage of a line therethrough; and a cylindrical engagement collar having a collar channel therethrough and slidably positionable along the line-clamping member, and suitable and positionable to reversibly hold the line-clamping member in a line-clamping/engagement position, and suitable and positionable to reversibly disengage the line-clamping member from the line-clamping position to reversibly disengage a line.

Abstract: A trap for gophers and underground pests includes: a spring; a catapult attached to the spring having an open position and a closed position and a distal end from the spring, the spring rotating the catapult; a snare for the animal having a size that reduces when the snare is pulled; a snare coupling on the distal end of the catapult, attached to the snare so that the catapult pulls on the snare; a suppression lever to releasably hold the catapult open; a footplate to releasably retain the suppression lever; and an actuator to press upon the footplate in the presence of the animal. The actuator presses upon the footplate, which releases the suppression lever, which releases the catapult to transition from the open position to the closed position, which causes the snare coupling to pull on the snare, which reduces the size of the snare, catching the animal.

Abstract: An insect trap (300) includes a container (301) adapted to be supported between a pair of racks in a bee hive, the trap cover having one or more apertures (312) adapted to permit beetles to crawl into the trap. The cover can project beyond the edges of the container to support the trap between the racks. The trap can contain oil to help prevent the beetle from escaping from the trap.

Abstract: Novel dehydrin promoters isolated from Eucalyptus dunnii and Eucalyptus macarthurii are cold-inducible and can be used for driving CBF genes in plants, including trees, to enhance tolerance to freezing temperatures or water stress and reduce undesirable effects associated with CBF gene expression.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for rapid production of biodiesel fuel. The apparatus includes a packed column followed by a high pressure kinetic reactor. A homogeneous stream of feed oil (vegetable oil or animal fat), methanol, and a catalyst is metered, mixed, fed into a packed column, and finally into the high pressure kinetic reactor where the conversion into biodiesel fuel is completed. The packed column is packed with rings (either Raschig rings or pall rings or equivalent). The homogeneous stream enters from the bottom with rings kept in a fluidized bed state to allow greatest surface area for reaction to take place. Approximately 40 to 70 percent reaction is typically achieved in the packed column. The high pressure kinetic reactor receives the partially reacted homogeneous stream and breaks fluid molecules into nano molecules with very high instantaneous temperatures and availability of large surface areas which allow complete reaction without external heat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biofuel composition comprising distilled technical cashew nut shell liquid (DT-CNSL) and atleast one petroleum product optionally alongwith plant oils and fuel additive(s).

Abstract: A fuel, fuel additive concentrate, and method for removing and/or preventing the occurrence of deposits in a fuel injector of an injection engine are provided. The additive concentrate contains at least one hexahydro triazine.

Abstract: A diesel fuel additive composition comprising (a) polyoxyalkylene alkyl amine represented by Formula (1) below, (b) glycol monoalkyl ether represented by Formula (2) below, (c) glycol dialkyl ether represented by Formula (3) below, (d) a heterocyclic compound, and (e) water, wherein the diesel fuel additive composition contains component at 50 to 80% by weight, component (b) at 5 to 20% by weight, component (c) at 5 to 15% by weight, component (d) at 5 to 15% by weight, and component (e) at 1 to 5% by weight; (wherein R1 represents an alkyl group with a carbon number from 8 to 25, each of A1 and A2 is an alkylene group with a carbon number from 2 to 4, k and 1 respectively represent a number from 1 to 30, each of R2, R3 and R4 is an alkyl group with a carbon number from 1 to 8, each of A3 and A4 is an alkylene group with a carbon number of 2 or 3, and each of m and n represents a number from 1 to 4).

Abstract: The present invention relates to oxazolidines derived from polyalkyl or polyalkenyl N-hydroxyalkyl succinimides, the obtainment process thereof, and their use to prevent and control the formation of deposits in internal combustion engines, primarily in formulations of additives to be applied to hydrocarbon fuels.

Abstract: A fuel additive concentrate, fuel comprising said additive concentrate, and method for improving the antifoam performance of a fuel are provided. The additive concentrate comprises (a) an aminotriazole compound comprising the reaction product of (i) a hydrocarbyl carbonyl compound, and (ii) an amine compound or salt thereof of formula (I) wherein R is selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen and a hydrocarbyl group containing from about 1 to about 15 carbon atoms, and R1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a hydrocarbyl group containing from about 1 to about 20 carbon atoms; and (b) a hydrocarbyl-substituted succinimide dispersant, wherein the ratio of (a) to (b) ranges from about 1:10 to about 10:1.

Abstract: An aviation 100LL fuel additive formulation for lead scavenging which mitigates the detrimental effects of lead, cleans up the combustion chamber and also allows shipping and distribution by common carrier, such as UPS or FedEx. A fuel additive composition is described for aviation 100 octane Low Lead fuel, containing: (1) glycol ether 10 to 90% by volume; (2) tricresyl phosphate 5 to 10% by volume; and, (3) Polyetheramine 15 to 30% by volume. The described composition has a flash point above 141 degrees F. to enable safe shipping by conmmon carrier. The described composition also contains polyetheramine to create a mixture which is shown to be effective in preventing plug fouling by lead and be effective in reducing combustion chamber deposits, thus providing a smooth running engine during ground operations.

Abstract: This invention provides stabilized biodiesels comprising (1) biodiesel, such as fatty acid methyl ester (FAME), (2) mono- or bis-hindered phenolic derived from 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol, and (3) N,N?-di-substituted para-phenylene diamine. Also methods of stabilizing biodiesel are provided involving adding (2) and (3) to (1).

Abstract: A fuel additive composition, fuel comprising said additive, and methods of use thereof are provided. The fuel additive composition comprises a synergistic combination of a hydrocarbyl-substituted succinimide dispersant and a compound of the following formula: and tautomers and enantiomers thereof, wherein R3 is a hydrocarbyl group having a number average molecular weight ranging from about 100 to about 5000, and wherein the weight ratio of (a) to (b) ranges from about 5:1 to about 1:5. The fuel additive composition is present in fuel in an amount sufficient to improve the conductivity properties of the fuel.

Abstract: A diesel fuel containing a soot dispersant additive which is a grafted and derivatized low molecular weight copolymer of ethylene and at least one C3-C10 alpha monoolefin is provided. Also provided is a method for improving the fuel economy of a diesel engine which comprises operating the diesel engine with a fuel composition comprising (a) a major amount of a diesel fuel and (b) a minor fuel economy improving effective amount of the soot dispersant additive.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel additive concentrate comprising a detergent, antioxidant; and a friction modifier selected from the group consisting of an alkoxylated fatty amine, a fatty acid or derivative thereof, and mixture thereof. Additionally, the present invention further provides for a fuel composition comprising a fuel, which is a liquid at room temperature; and additive, wherein the additive is selected from the group consisting of: a detergent; antioxidant; friction modifier selected from the group consisting of an alkoxylated fatty amine, a fatty acid or derivative thereof, and mixture thereof; and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide adsorber for use at combustion of fossil fuel, comprising a compressed dry powder of plant fiber. Further, there is provided a fossil fuel characterized in that such a compressed dry powder of plant fiber is contained. The application of a carbon dioxide adsorber for use at combustion of fossil fuel, comprising a compressed dry powder of plant fiber is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shaped wood fiber body as an ignition aid with additional fuel content achieved by dipping or impregnation, wherein a plurality of wood fibers are compacted to form the shaped body. According to the invention, the preferably cylindrical body has a multilayered winding or roll structure, comprising a series of layers, which run at a radial spacing about the lengthwise axis of the cylinder. Furthermore, at least the bottom or the top surface of the cylindrical body is diagonal cut.

Abstract: A robust methodology is described herein for determining the algae biomass photoautotrophic yield (in gram of biomass synthesized per ?mole of absorbed photons), which is useful for reliable biomass productivity estimates for selecting, comparing, and optimizing algae cultures for large-scale production. Another method is provided herein to increase dissolved inorganic carbon concentration and alleviate limitations common in aerated small-scale batches. This carbonate addition method allows for a more accurate determination of the algae culture photoautotrophic yield under small-scale experimental conditions. Also provided herein is a method for estimating a light spectrum-dependent scatter-corrected algae-specific absorption cross section, which permits the use of Beer's law to estimate the fraction of photons absorbed by a given algae culture.

Abstract: A flower pot apparatus adapted for enveloping the base of an umbrella pole in such a manner as to allow the flower pot apparatus to primarily support the umbrella when the flower pot is filled with plant growth media. The flower pot apparatus when coupled with an umbrella functions to shield the contents of the flower pot from precipitation and direct sunlight as needed to nurture the growth and development of a plant contained therein or to protect such other contents as may be contained therein. The flower pot apparatus when coupled with an umbrella secondarily functions as a household decoration.

Abstract: An adjustable plant growing stand, a mounting clip for attaching a lighting fixture to an adjustable plant growing stand, and a method of illuminating plants are disclosed. The adjustable plant growing stand can include a frame including a plurality of substantially parallel legs, an upper fixed shelf affixed to the legs, and a lower adjustable shelf slidably coupled to the legs. The lower adjustable shelf can include attachment mechanisms configured to fix the vertical height of the lower adjustable shelf relative to the upper fixed shelf. The adjustable plant growing stand can include a lighting assembly including one or more lighting fixtures. Each lighting fixture can include a plant growth-stimulating light source. Each lighting fixture can be removably coupled to the upper fixed shelf.

Abstract: A guide and fastening element is used to draw together and keep joined together the cables which guide the stocks and which force their vertical growth. The stocks may be confined to the space between said cables, and that it is formed by a warped structure made with wire in a rigid material which has two branches in the common vertex whereof an elastic element is disposed, each branch being bent by one or more points forming different stretches and the free end of each branch having a hooking element in order to hold the cable of the opposite side of a post of the vine.