Abstract: The present disclosure provides an improved welted footwear and related method of manufacture. The welted footwear and related method of manufacturing is directed to a molded foot support platform that provides a number of advantageous features.

Abstract: A fit adjustable footwear, includes an insole, having a top layer and a bottom layer, mutually facing and kept spaced thereamong in correspondence of at least one length of the external peripheral edge thereof to slidably house a plurality of support elements arranged in a sequence and interconnected by a pulling element, the tensioning of which allows to radially let out, of a desired length, the support elements from the top and bottom layers.

Abstract: A transformable shoe described wherein can transform into different heel heights. It is a shoe wherein the heel is detached or attached that transforms the shoe into heels of varying heights. The frame of the shoe contains two independent soles that are pivotally connected via a hinge. The two independent shoe soles will vary angles via the hinge upon attaching or detaching of the heel. Heels of varying heights can be attached to the bottom of the sole. The hinge connecting the two independent soles will rotate according to the height of the heels attached to the sole. The heel upon detachment from the shoe can be stowed by the person separately.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a functional footwear having a shock absorber of an operating member adapted to absorb the shock applied during the wearer's walking, such that as first and second arms and a second magnet are operated by the shock-absorbing operation, a vibration plate having a first magnet is automatically vibrated by the generation of the repulsive force with respect to the second magnet, which makes the wearer excited during walking, thereby providing pleasant walking to him or her. Especially, the magnetic field generated from the first magnet provided on the end portion of the vibration plate stimulates the acupuncture spots on the wearer's foot sole and accelerates his or her blood circulation, thereby greatly improving his or her health.

Abstract: Footwear includes a sole with a forefoot region, a heel region, and a mid-sole region positioned between the forefoot region and the heel region. A support structure is positioned within the mid-sole region. The support structure is configured to engage an object to facilitate resistance to gravitational pull.

Abstract: A skate includes a boot for receiving a wearer's foot and ankle therein, boot having a boot upper fixed to an outsole. The boot upper includes a vamp for covering a front portion of the foot, first and second quarters connected to the vamp for covering sides of the foot, an instep portion connected to the vamp and quarters for at least partly covering a top portion of the foot, and a rear portion connected to the quarters for covering a rear portion of the foot and ankle. At least the instep portion and part of the rear portion are made of a first material, and the first and second quarters are made of a different, second material. The second material is more rigid than the first material.

Abstract: A show sole includes a bellows portion located at the heel section of the sole and compressible space is defined in the bellows portion. A spring unit is located in the compressible space. At least one escape hole is defined through a wall of the bellows portion. An insole is mounted to the sole and seals the compressible space. Multiple pipes extend from the compressible space and each has two open ends. One of the two open ends of each pipe communicates with the compressible space. When the compressible space is compressed, the air in the compressible space flows through the pipes and the escape hole. When the force is released from the compressible space, the air outside the shoe is sucked into the compressible space.

Abstract: Curable rubber compositions and cured articles are based on the use of zinc activator compositions for the sulfur cure. Activator compositions contain zinc and a polymeric component having a plurality of COOH groups, at least some of which are neutralized with the zinc. With polymeric zinc activators, sulfur cure can be activated at levels of zinc below those used in conventional systems.

Abstract: A traction member, such as a shoe cleat, for a shoe is described. According to one exemplary embodiment, a cleat securable to the sole of a shoe can include a hub with an exposed surface facing away from a shoe sole when the cleat is secured to the shoe. The cleat can further include a first group of large traction elements and a second group of small traction elements. The first group of large traction elements can be circumferentially-spaced about a periphery of the hub and with each large traction element extending downward and radially outward away from the exposed surface of the hub. The second group of small traction elements can be spaced-apart on and extend downward away from the exposed surface of the hub. The large traction elements can terminate at respective foot portions extending downward away from the hub by a first distance and the small traction elements can terminate at respective foot portions extending downward away from the hub by a second distance less than the first distance.

Abstract: An underwater excavating tool can generate a downward directed jet of water from a propeller in a main thruster body connected to a surface vessel by an umbilical. The umbilical can include an outer armored sheath that supports an underwater weight of the excavating apparatus, a data cable carrying signals from a controller unit on a surface vessel, and a power cable that supplies electrical power to operate the propeller and other functions of the excavating apparatus. One or more of the orientation, position, and rotation of the main thruster body can be controlled remotely by adjusting two or more positional thrusters mounted radially on the main thruster body. Remote control can be provided using the signals carried via the data cable. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described.

Abstract: A mechanical assembly controls the position of a trencher attached to a tractor and includes a positioning arm attached to the tractor at one end and the trencher at an opposite end. The positioning arm levers the trencher about a single fulcrum point on the positioning arm. A first lift cylinder has a base end connected to the tractor and an extendible end connected to the first positioning arm at the single fulcrum point. The positioning arm pivots about the tractor to move the trencher in response to the lift cylinder. Grade control cylinders are also attached to the positioning arm and the trencher to control the angular position of the trencher in relation to the ground below.

Abstract: A luggage tag for providing identifying indicia having a front and a back panel, at least the outer surface of the front panel having features to realistically visually and tactilely imitate and resemble an article, a back panel having attached thereto a substantially transparent pocket suitable for holding and viewing identifying indicia of the owner of the luggage to which the tag is attached.

Abstract: Elastic tags, method of making elastic tags, and methods of using elastic tags are disclosed.

Abstract: A apparatus for showcasing falling water images, text and other types of water effects that includes a control means, a pump means that feeds water into a elevated water display head having a plurality of nozzles that alternates at a high speed from an open position to a closed position controlled by solenoids. The modulation of falling water droplets forms a continuous matrix of horizontal water dots that produce scrolling water-formed images.

Abstract: A display comprising a retractable banner stand assembly has a base with a pair of banners extendable therefrom, each banner having a forward surface and a rearward surface. When extended, the banners are arranged in a spaced back face to front face visually overlapping relationship with each banner having graphics on the forward sides of the banner. A forward banner having a different shape than a rearward banner whereby significant portions of the rearward banner may be viewed from directly in front of the banner stand assembly. The precise portion of the rearward banner viewable being dependent upon the viewing angle in front of the display. The base including a housing with each banner being retractable into said housing. In a preferred embodiment the graphics will be aesthetically complementary from the forward banner to the rearward banner; for example, a portion of the graphics on one banner may continue on another banner.

Abstract: A signboard integral with an LED lamp includes a lamp post and a display device mounted in the lamp post. The display device includes a box, a transparent plate mounted on an opened end of the box, a panel mounted on a side of the transparent plate and a luminous member consisting a plurality of LEDs hermetically received in the box and located at another side of the transparent plate. The panel has a plurality of holes representing marks to be shown by the signboard. Light generated by the luminous member radiates through the transparent plate and the holes of the panel to display the marks represented by the holes. The marks could be a company logo, brand, trademark or other information.

Abstract: A hand held sign comprising, a support medium adapted to display a message, text, image or other indicia and having two holes in spaced relationship to one another therein and a handle to support the support medium wherein the handle is formed by that support medium material that remains between the two holes.

Abstract: The present invention provides multipurpose a multi-purpose auxiliary member for use with a personal card that may be carried in a card carrying case having at least one compartment. The multi-purpose auxiliary member includes at least one attachment component attachable to an edge portion of the personal card and at least one extension component. Technology may be associated with either an attachment component and/or an extension component. In particular, the present invention provides a personal card removal tool multi-purpose auxiliary member that can be used secure a personal card and remove the personal card from a card carrying case.

Abstract: A printable sheet including a sheet matrix and a plurality of removable tabs cut within the sheet matrix and aligned in a column adjacent an edge of the printable sheet. Each of the removable tabs is separated from the sheet matrix by a first line of separation and is separated from an adjacent removable tab by a second line of separation. The removable tabs can be printed with information, such as a contact phone number, that a person reading the sheet, such as including an advertisement, may want to remove for later reference. A tearable and removable strip can be disposed between the column of removable tabs and the edge of the printable sheet to support the tabs during printing.

Abstract: A picture frame assembly. The assembly has a transparent cover, and a backboard. The frame has a front and a rear. The transparent cover and the backboard are positioned within the frame. The assembly having a front face and a rear face. The backboard is positioned in proximity to the rear face of the assembly. The transparent cover is positioned in proximity to the front face of the assembly. The backboard is hingedly connected to the frame along an edge thereof. The backboard is adapted to being opened along the edge to reveal a cavity within the frame into which an artwork can be inserted or from which an artwork can be removed.

Abstract: A method including sensing movement of an existing non-shot-indicator of a handgun, and interpreting a sensed movement of the existing non-shot-indicator as a shot fired from the handgun so that the sensed movement serves as a shot counter for the handgun.

Abstract: An article including an article including a firearm including a safety that moves between a safe position that does not permit firing of the firearm and a fire position that permits firing of the firearm, the firearm further including a light indicator, and a loaded chamber indicator in electrical communication with the light indicator, wherein when the safety moves to the fire position, the light indicator emits a first distinct color if a round is loaded in a chamber of the firearm, and the light indicator emits a second distinct color if a round is not loaded in the chamber of the firearm.

Abstract: The semiautomatic pistol has a rigidly fixed barrel and sights attached thereto. The body of the pistol receives a breechbolt that moves axially in line with the fixed barrel. Cartridges are transferred from the magazine up to the action in the breechbolt, and spent cartridge cases are ejected out of a side eject port disposed on the pistol. Dismounting of the breechbolt is facilitated by a pivotal dismounting post at the rear of the eject port.

Abstract: The present invention is a modular handgrip for rifles and other long guns. The handgrip features a base with a locking dovetail rail on a first side and a second opposite side configured to receive a rail. Back strap additions are provided capable of receiving the rail on the body, which are customizable to a user's preferences while fore straps are provided with rails in a similar manner. Also provided is a storage compartment inside the main body, accessible from a bottom of the grip. As such, an organization, such as an armory, can provide a number of customizable options for handgrips while only stocking a basic grip and a number of optional modules at lower unit and storage costs. Of particular note is a modular fore strap design with an integrated trigger guard.

Abstract: A mount designed to be integrated into a noise suppressor. The proposed apparatus encompasses an acme thread and two springs which serve as secondary latches. Offsetting the secondary spring latches in such a manner as to ensure one always fully seats into the indexing points of a flash hider mount limits the rotational movement of an installed noise suppressor which incorporates my proposed mount. Further, this method is more cost efficient than timing each flash hider with each noise suppressor mount.

Abstract: A bird decoy system comprising: a remote control device, the remote control device comprising: a remote control housing; a transducer located on the housing; a switch located on the housing; a transmitter located within the housing, and in signal communication with the microphone; an electronics compartment, the electronics compartment comprising: a receiver located in the electronics compartment; a receiving antenna in signal communication with the receiver, and configured to be in signal communication with the transmitter when within range of the transmitter; a CPU located within the electronics compartment, and in signal communication with the receiver, the CPU configured to send a signal to cause a decoy motor to activate causing the decoy to move; a connection plug attached to the electronics compartment and in signal communication with the CPU.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for trawling wherein trawl are bags positioned one above the other and towed by a single trawl vessel is disclosed. The bag(s) are continuously emptied of caught seafood/biomass via an injector assisted suction hose connected to a bottom end of the bag(s), and leading to the trawler vessel. In the case of two trawl bags, one above the other, the uppermost trawl bag is along the upper trawl opening portion equipped with a plurality of buoyancy bodies, and the lower trawl bag's lower trawl opening portion, at the outer ends, is equipped with weights or sinkers. Spreading of trawl opening(s) is effected either by otter boards, or a spreading member linked to the trawl opening portions. Tension lines pass from the outer ends of the upper trawl opening portion to the outermost positioned joining points for the trawl bags, and to the weights or sinkers.

Abstract: A device and method is for providing fishing chum, over an extended period of time, to a body of water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fish strike signal that can selectively be placed in a storage position, a ready position or a deployed position. The signal has a main body with a storage ledge, a retainer and a pocket. A trigger is provided having a notch for engaging a segment of fishing line and having a kick-out post for deploying a signal. The kick-out post can be held with a pocket in the ready position. Rotation of the trigger caused by a strike forces the post from the pocket and causes the wire of the signal to clear a retainer on the side of the main body. A tension assembly is provided for adjusting the amount of force that is required to rotate the trigger. The post and a ledge holds the signal in place and the tensioner can be used to lock the signal in the storage position.

Abstract: A trap and surrounding hollow station for killing target animals. The trap includes upturned sides that prevent debris from setting off the trap. The trap includes a safety catch that permits the striker to be cocked without setting the trigger. The trap includes a downwardly moving trigger retaining a bait against the trap base with a protective shell surrounding at least part of an edible bait and resisting deformation by the trigger. The station may be a sheet of foldable material that can be formed into a hollow housing with spaced apart end and side walls. Skirts on the base can be attached to a substrate to immobilize the station.

Abstract: A trap for catching woodland, garden, and agricultural insect pests, consisting of a catching part (37) with an outlet opening, and a container (31) for storing caught pests, has a device for separating the captured pests from water and small debris. The device for separating the captured pests from water and small debris is placed between the outlet opening of the catching part and the container. The device for separating the caught pests from water and small debris has a shape of a funnel (135) having a funnel inlet covered up by a mesh (32) and an funnel outlet (36) situated outside of the container (31) for storing the caught pests. The funnel inlet is placed below the outlet opening of the catching part (37).

Abstract: A heterogeneous catalyst for use in esterification and/or transesterification reactions is provided having the formula AxB2-xO4-x, where x is between 0.25 and 1.2, A is selected from calcium, magnesium, strontium, or barium, and B is selected from manganese, cerium, titanium, zirconium, silicon, tin or germanium. The heterogeneous catalyst is formed by co-precipitating the corresponding nitrates of the catalyst materials with ammonium carbonate to form a precipitated product which is then calcined. The heterogeneous catalysts can be used to make mono-alkyl ester fuel from feedstocks containing waste oils, fats and grease in the presence of water and/or free fatty acids.

Abstract: A method of improving the low temperature properties of an oil comprising fatty acid alkyl esters derived from plant or animal materials, wherein at least 5% by weight of the fatty acid alkyl esters are derived from C16-C22 saturated fatty acids. The method comprising reacting at least a portion of the oil with a polyalkylene polyamine or an imidazoline compound carrying both a poly-alkylene imine substituent and at least one primary amine group.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for recovering an alcohol from a fermentation broth using liquid-liquid extraction, wherein at least one ionic liquid is used as the extractive solvent.

Abstract: A Novel fuel object comprised of a proportion of switch grass and a proportion of wood fiber combined with a basically reacting compound. The fuel comprises fiber of the appropriate size and moisture content combined with an inorganic base. An appropriately sized fuel object is readily manufactured, provides high heat output, is consistent in fuel characteristics, and is sized and configured for use in power generation facilities. Based on fiber selection and processing, the fuel object may be used in a variety of current power generation technologies including stoker, fluidized bed, gasifier, cyclonic, direct-fired, and pulverized coal technologies, and results in significant reduction of air emissions (including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrochloric acid, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and mercury) compared to coal with no loss of boiler or furnace efficiency.

Abstract: A Novel fuel object comprised of a proportion of corn stover and a proportion of wood fiber combined with a basically reacting compound. The object comprises fiber of the appropriate size and moisture content combined with an inorganic base. An appropriately sized object is readily manufactured, provides high heat output, is consistent in fuel characteristics, and is sized and configured for use in power generation facilities. Based on fiber selection and processing, the fuel object may be used in a variety of current power generation technologies including stoker, fluidized bed, gasifier, cyclonic, direct-fired, and pulverized coal technologies, and results in significant reduction of air emissions (including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrochloric acid, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and mercury) compared to coal with no loss of boiler or furnace efficiency.

Abstract: A fungal bed cultivation method of a hon-shimeji mushroom, in which the sprouting step and/or fruit body growing step is carried out under an environmental condition of high CO2 concentration, is provided. Examples of the environmental condition of high CO2 concentration include a CO2 concentration of 2,500 ppm or more in the sprouting step and a CO2 concentration of 5,000 ppm or more in the fruit body growing step. Since the formation ratio of a budlet in the fungal bed cultivation of a hon-shimeji mushroom is improved by embodiments of the present invention, stable production of a hon-shimeji mushroom by its large scale commercial cultivation becomes possible.

Abstract: A device for delivery of water and at least one further compound which comprises at least one first part containing at least one first compound; at least one second part substantially surrounding said first part, the or each second part being at least partially permeable to water and to the or at least one first compound; and at least one third part substantially surrounding said second part, the or each third part including a water absorbent material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for ground cultivation, in particular of green spaces and existing areas of vegetation, comprising the following steps: a.) production of a conveyable application form of a soil conditioner in which the soil conditioner is present as a dispersion of pre-swollen particles and/or as hydrogel; b.) conveyance of the application form of the soil conditioner produced in step a.) to a depositing device; c.) depositing of the soil conditioner by means of a depositing device, and a device for carrying out such a cultivation method.

Abstract: A plant pot having a built-in soil moisture audio alarm that provides a caretaker of the plant pot with an audio alarm when the moisture in the soil in the plant pot falls below a prescribed level.

Abstract: A plant container includes a container body having a conduit extending between an inlet connection and an outlet connection. A float valve assembly is in communication with the conduit within the container body for automatically controlling fluid entry into the container body from the conduit. A soil retention element is arranged in the container body above the float valve assembly. A method of using the self-watering plant container includes adding soil to an interior volume of the container body above the soil retention element, planting at least one seed in the soil, and connecting a water supply to an inlet connection of the conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for forming a decorative covering about a flower pot or a floral grouping, wherein the decorative covering has a graphic image that is prominently displayed on a selected portion of the decorative covering. The graphic image may be a masterpiece of art produced by one of the Great Masters of the Renaissance, at least a portion of a musical score, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Means introduced for variety of Garden Pots to be Water Self-sufficient for usage privately and as well as in commercial purposes. The invention comprising of an improved garden pot made out of two layers, the inner layer and outer layer, which are about an inch or so apart, hence creating an empty space between them. It is in the space between the two layers would work as reservoir that water would be purred in, and contained. The outer layer is solid, but the inner layer has several needle's tip size holes, through which water would penetrate into the inner layer space that is full of soil, and would keep the soil moist and watered at all times, thereby continuously watering the plant growing in the soil, drop by drop. As an advantage, once the user would fill up the pot's reservoir with water, the plant would be automatically watered for weeks to come, without further and frequent care and check ups.

Abstract: A method and system suitable for ordering, packaging, and delivering harvested plants, such as fresh-cut flowers. The method and method entail placing an order for harvested plants by selecting at least one plant varietal, identifying a recipient for the plant by name and address, indicating a date for the recipient to receive the plant, and optionally creating a message to be delivered with the plant to the recipient. The plant is then placed in at least one recess within a transparent shell comprising a raised peripheral edge that surrounds and defines the recess. The shell and plant are then placed in a transparent enclosure formed from a perforated transparent foil, and the enclosure and a shipping label are then inserted in a shipping container that is at least translucent to enable the plant and the label to be visible therethrough.

Abstract: Light emitted from an LED lamp (1) substantially vertically enters the face of the first light diffusion structural member (2) to be diffused within a predetermined plane (P) perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of a linear ridges of the light diffusion structural member (2), and enters the face of the second light diffusion structural member (3) as the flat light flux having a predetermined diverging angle. An incident angle to the second light diffusion structural member (3) varies according to the angle of light, which has passed through the first light diffusion structural member (2). However, light diffusion in the width direction (W) is suppressed by the second light diffusion structural member (3) to be within a range of suitable diffusion angles, and a flat light flux (B) having high directivity is formed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making a chemical compound comprising nickel, aluminum, oxygen and sulfur having a general formula Ni2xAl2O2x+3?zSz, wherein 0.5?x?3 and 0?z?2x. The material is effective for the removal of S-compounds from gaseous streams, effective for catalyzing a water gas shift reaction and suppresses the formation of carbon monoxide and hydrogen under conditions where a water gas shift reaction is catalyzed.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide hydrocarbon additives and methods of making and using the same. The additives are suitable for use in conjunction with gasifiers, furnaces, or other high-temperature vessels. The additives may be part of an input stream to a reaction vessel of a hydrocarbon gasifier. The additives may include materials that at least partially reduce the infiltration of slag into the refractory material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a door storage container having a base, a rear wall, and a front wall. The front wall is in the form of a plurality of interlocking elements assembled together. The plurality of interlocking elements assembled together to form the front wall includes an upper extrusion profile, a lower extrusion profile, and a panel enclosed between the upper extrusion profile and the lower extrusion profile.

Abstract: An apparatus including a frame forming an internal cavity, the frame having an opening for accessing the internal cavity, a first door and a second door mounted to the frame and a door coupling mechanism for effecting a substantially simultaneous movement of the first door and second door relative to the frame, the door coupling mechanism including a first door link, a second door link and at least one ternary link, the first door link being rotatably coupled to the first door and the at least one ternary link, the second door being rotatably coupled to the second door and the at least one ternary link.

Abstract: A post (200) for use with an automatically-movable barrier (1203) and a motive actuator (1204) is configured to interact with the barrier to thereby facilitate movement of the barrier with respect to the post. This post can have at least one cavity (201, 801) formed axially therein and a mains-power-bearing pathway (202) disposed within this at least one cavity to convey mains electrical power to movable barrier control circuitry (1202) as well as the motive actuator. Such a post can further comprise one or more integral pivot points (1001) that are configured to pivotally engage the automatically-movable barrier such that the automatically-movable barrier can selectively pivot about the integral pivot point. By another approach, such a post can further comprise one or more rollers (1101) that are configured to engage the automatically-movable barrier such that the latter can selectively move in a lateral direction through engagement with the roller(s).