Abstract: [Object] To implement a detection technique in which a tumble of and a shock to on articles can be detected even with a simple and low-cost structure. [Solving Means] An indicator according to the present invention for detecting a tumble of and a shock to an article moves away from a holding guide in a detector when the detector inclines and goes beyond a limit for inclination. The indicator includes a first part in the shape of rolling on the holding guide when the detector inclines, and a second part smaller than the first part and in the shape of not preventing the first part from rolling. The first part and the second part join together and separate when receiving a shock.

Abstract: A linear guiding mechanism includes a fixed member, a moving member, a first double parallel leaf spring mechanism and a second double parallel leaf spring mechanism arranged between the fixed member and the moving member and configured to movably support the moving member. The first double parallel leaf spring mechanism and the second double parallel leaf spring mechanism are arranged at an angle other than 180° (for example, 90°) about an axis of movement of the moving member.

Abstract: A template device is used layout and marking geometric shapes such as martial arts or other sports rings on a floor. The device includes a central body at or near the center, and an extension reaching from preferably at least three sides of the central body to the perimeter, of the geometric shape. Both central body and extension are rigid or substantially rigid, maintaining the shape of the template device, including optional wire/cable around or along the extension, during both use on the floor and transport to adjacent floor areas. The template device covers a very small percentage of the geometric shape area, by means of empty space in the extension or between members of the extension. The resulting light-weight and small-volume device is easy to move and break down into a small package. The extension may include radially-extending legs attaching at their outer ends to the wire/cable perimeter.

Abstract: A mop dehydrating apparatus includes a water tub, a dehydrating basket horizontally rotatably mounted in the internal chamber of the water tub and provided with a fixing device in the internal chamber thereof for fixing a mop, a motor drive mounted in the internal chamber of the water tub, a transmission mechanism coupled between the motor drive and the dehydrating basket and controllable by a foot pedal switch to rotate the dehydrating basket and to further expel water out of the mophead of the mop subject to the effect of centrifugal force.

Abstract: A laundry transport apparatus and method includes a container defining an interior area configured to accommodate a plurality of laundry carts, the container having a door movable between closed and open configurations to selectively allow access to said interior area. The container is a trailer configured to be moved by a vehicle. The apparatus includes a ventilation network to pass air to and from the interior area, the ventilation network including an intake duct for channeling air to the interior area and an outlet duct for channeling air from the interior area. At least a portion of the intake and outlet ducts are immediately adjacent one another to influence temperature of air passing through each duct, warmer air passing through one of the intake duct or the outlet duct becoming cooler and cooler air passing through another of the intake duct or the outlet duct becoming warmer.

Abstract: A holding assembly for reducing the bacteria on a washcloth. The bacteria reducing cleaning device holding assembly comprising: a housing; at least one fan connected to the housing; the fan electrically connected to a power source; a holding device connected to the housing for holding a cleaning device; and a control device connected to the fan such that when the control device is activated the fan moves air over the holding device thereby drying the cleaning device held by the holding device. This provides the advantage of providing a device to hold a user's washcloth after use that helps to dry the washcloth thus reducing the bacteria count on the washcloth.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an automatic plant and a method of stockage in a covered yard of petcoke fuel with high humidity-contents, natural dehumidification up to set humidity values and subsequent reuptake for conveyance to the silos feeding a thermal unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel processes for the manufacture of cores of a specific polymer and a biologically active substance, and of such cores carrying a shell, i.e. microcapsules, to the cores and microcapsules thus produced, and to a pharmaceutical composition comprising such microcapsules.

Abstract: A home laundry drier (1) having a revolving drum (5) for housing the laundry to be dried, a hot-air generator (7) for circulating a stream of hot air inside the drum (5), and a steam generator (17) for feeding steam into the drum (5); the steam generator (17) having an electric boiler (18) designed to receive a given quantity of water and immediately convert it into a stream of low-pressure steam to be fed into the drum (5), a demineralized-water reservoir (20) located over and communicating with the electric boiler (18), and a lint filter (23) located upstream from the water reservoir (20); the water reservoir (20) receiving distilled water from the water canister (12) of the heat exchanger (10) of the hot-air generator (7) via a water drain circuit (13); and the laundry drier (1) also having a liquid level sensor (26) for determining when the water in the water reservoir (20) is below a given minimum level, and a central control unit (24) for determining whether the water reservoir (20) is in a given low-wa

Abstract: A stitch-down shoe and a method for making the same are provided. The method includes: imparting a toe cap shape to an upper; reserving a width along a lower edge of the upper as a folded-out edge according to the toe cap shape; fixedly attaching a welt along a periphery of a midsole sheet so as to form a midsole; bonding and stitching the folded-out edge flush to a periphery of the midsole so as to form a shoe body; steaming the shoe body until softened, and putting a last into the shoe body for shaping; removing the last; bonding an outsole; performing fine edge-abrading; and finishing. The midsole sheet is made of a non-woven material and the welt, of leather. The width of the folded-out edge is precisely controllable. The resultant stitch-down shoe is economical in material, keeps the upper smooth, has nice curvature, and feels soft when worn.

Abstract: A shoe (10), particularly a high-heeled shoe, containing a convex midfoot support structure (40) formed of a conformable or compressible cushioning material is sized and shaped to have a height (h1) sufficient to contact and to support at least a portion of the midfoot area (116) of the wearer's foot (110). The midfoot support (40) is constructed of an elastomeric material with a maximum thickness of between 10 mm and 22 mm, and includes a support platform (42) and side walls (44 and 46). Preferably, a forefoot support (58) is also provided on the upper surface of the insole (20) in the forefoot portion (28) of the insole (20).

Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of articles of footwear or foot-receiving devices having inner and outer tongues, such as double tongue snowboarding boots, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, an article of footwear or foot-receiving device (e.g., snowboarding boot, etc.) generally includes a housing member at least partially defining a chamber for receiving a foot. An inner tongue is coupled to the housing member. An outer tongue is coupled to at least one of the inner tongue and the housing member. Other aspects of the present disclosure relates to methods. An exemplary method of wearing an article of footwear (e.g., snowboarding boot, etc.) generally includes tucking a portion of a wearer's pants leg generally between inner and outer tongues of the snowboarding boot. Another example method includes inserting a foot through an opening of a housing member of a foot-receiving device (e.g., snowboarding boot, etc.), that also includes first and second tongues.

Abstract: An article of footwear with an insert system is disclosed. The insert system can include an insert that may be introduced to a side portion of the upper. The insert is configured to adjust properties of a side portion of an upper.

Abstract: An ice skate boot includes a blade in thermal communication with heat transfer plates that extend into the interior of the boot. The heat transfer plates pass heat from the foot of the skater, through the blade to the blade, thereby warming the blade and cooling the skater's foot. A thermally conductive sock and body suit provide additional heat to the blade and cooling of the skater when in use. A warming mat keeps the blade warm when the skater is off the ice.

Abstract: A sport boot, such as a snow ski boot, that includes a shell having a rigid foot portion. The foot portion includes a heel pocket and an instep region that is largely immovable relative to the heel pocket due to the rigidity of the foot portion. The boot also includes a highback support region that snugly engages the leg of a user during use. A heel-track is located on the dorsal side of the boot between the highback support region and the heel pocket. The heel-track provides a concave space that receives the user's heel when the user is putting-on and taking-off the boot to counter the relative immovability of the instep region of the boot against the engaging action of the user's foot. The sport boot can also include a special boot liner having an expandable dorsal region, and, optionally, other features that compliment the heel-track of the shell.

Abstract: Attaching a three-dimensional ornamental article to a shoe upper is achieved using a stiff elongated strip that is bent to form an arcuate upper portion and a J-shaped lower portion. The upper portion is fitted to follow the contours of the top and sides of the ornamental article, while the lower portions are inserted through spaced openings formed in the shoe upper. The bottom ends of the lower portions face each other when they are positioned between the insole and outsole of the shoe. Once the outsole is secured with the insole, the ornamental article becomes securely attached to the shoe.

Abstract: The present invention provides at least one outsole and at least one shoe comprising an outside wearable surface layer of a shoe sole comprising an added fragrance provided in an insert or plug that is released and has an aroma when the shoe is at rest or there is friction being applied to the sole surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides articles of footwear adapted for use in extreme and hazardous environments by members of the military, law enforcement personnel and others who require durable and functional footwear. The footwear include protective coverings that may be proof, puncture proof, fire retardant or water repelling. Drainage holes can be positioned in the toe region and along the outsole to enable a wearer to quickly drain water from the article of footwear. Single use or replaceable drainage plugs may cover the holes to prevent entry of water into the boot or other article of footwear. Removable and/or replaceable footbeds may be employed, and such footbeds may provide adjustable sizing of the article of footwear using interchangeable cartridges. A support saddle may be employed with the footbed to enhance foot support under heavy loads. These and other features herein are suited for use in a wide variety of footwear.

Abstract: The present invention is a heavy equipment vehicle for laying pipe, such as a modified excavator. The vehicle includes an undercarriage with a tracks for moving, an excavator cab mounted to the undercarriage by a rotating platform, a counterweight mounted to the cab, a boom having a first arm and a second arm, two pipe hoists, and an excavator tool attachment. The excavator tool attachment can be a bucket, scoop, grapple, a pulverizer, claw or a hammer of an excavator. Each arm of the vehicle has a pipe hoist attached to an underside thereof. The pipe hoist element is a two-block hoist with a top block and a bottom block with a hook extending downward, and a winch with line connecting to the two-block hoist, such that the line lowers and raises a hook connected to a harness of a pipe. The boom can also have stabilizer attachments.

Abstract: A method and system for an illuminated display. The display can include a first image that may be illuminated by a light source and a second image that may be illuminated by a light source. The light source may be a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and the LEDs and uniform illumination may be achieved through the use of waveguides. Additionally, the display may be such that it is flexible and that it may be mounted in any of a variety of locations and onto any of a variety of objects.

Abstract: One embodiment of a marking apparatus for a dishware may include a central member having a first peripheral edge portion and a second peripheral edge portion. The marking apparatus may further include a first support member extending outwardly from the first peripheral edge portion. Furthermore, the marking apparatus may include a second support member extending outwardly from the second peripheral edge portion. The first support member and the second support member may configure a slot therebetween to receive a portion of the dishware. Each of the first support member and the second support member may include an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface of at least one of the first support member and the second support member may include at least one indicium displayed thereon.

Abstract: A hand-held inter-auto display device includes a handle portion and an interconnecting and substantially planar display portion. A plurality of individual sheets, each displaying at least a portion of a selected message, are displayed from at least one side of the planar display portion. A visual enhancement element, including any of LED elements, phosphorescent coatings or reflective lettering, is associated with at least one of the handle, display portion and sheets to better display a selected message of an exposed sheet supported upon the display portion.

Abstract: The present invention reduces generation of unevenness on a surface by adjusting unevenness of a reflection pattern in a case where the reflection pattern is formed by an ultrasonic process.

Abstract: A talking yard sign is disclosed, which comprises of a yard sign having a digital recorder and playback system. The object of the present invention is to provide more information related to the sign in audio or video format. The audio/video device attached to the sign comprises of a microphone which records the audio information from the buyer, a speaker, which can play back the message from the agent/owner of the sign and also a display panel which plays the messages from the agent/owner of the sign and a removable recordable devise to save the recorded messages.

Abstract: A retractable double-sided banner stand has a base, two upright posts, a crossbar, and a single banner with graphic image(s) disposed on both sides of the banner. The base generally includes a housing, two housing end cap assemblies, a single core, and a retracting mechanism. The banner is wound around the core, and the retracting mechanism unwinds and winds the banner with respect to the core. The leading edge of the banner is attached to the crossbar, which is wider than the width of the banner. The banner stand has an erect upright mode for displaying the images(s), and a collapsed mode for transporting the banner stand. In the erect mode, the upright posts are retained in the base by means of a quick-release locking mechanism, the banner extends upwardly from the base, and the crossbar engages with, and is supported by, the upper portion of each of the upright posts.

Abstract: A soft sculpture picture frame in the shape of a human or animal, with a contained audio recording and playback device. A message may be recorded on the audio recording and playback device for later playback, by pressing a recording activation means contained within part of the human shape of the picture frame. The recorded message may be played back by pressing a playback activation means contained within part of the human shape of the picture frame, preferably a different part. Picture retaining means holds a photograph of a person whose voice may be recorded on the device.

Abstract: An adhesive frame for a photograph or picture, the frame comprising: a layer of felt; a coating of a permanent adhesive on one side of the layer of felt; a coating of a removable adhesive on the other side of the layer of felt for removably adhering the adhesive frame to a wall; and a frame attached to the felt by the permanent adhesive creating inner and outer borders of the adhesive frame.

Abstract: A stock (10) for a firearm, provided with a stock frame section (3) and a releasably attachable cheekpiece (1, 2), in which the stock frame section (3) is symmetrical in relation to the longitudinal vertical direction of the stock, and when the cheekpiece (1, 2) is installed to the left side of the stock frame section (3), the stock becomes a right-handed stock, and when the cheekpiece (1, 2) is installed to the right side of the stock frame section (3), the stock becomes a left-handed stock. According to an advantageous embodiment the cheekpiece (1, 2) is adjustable, preferably quick-adjustable in height.

Abstract: The present invention is related to weapons systems. In particular, the present invention is directed to accessory attachment systems for rifles and small arms weapons that enable attached accessory devices to draw power from a central power source and communicate with the user and/or other devices. The present invention embodies firearm systems comprising at least one mounting rail comprising at least one power connection, at least one power source, at least one rail accessory, wherein the at least one rail accessory receives electrical power from the power source.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and a method for supporting a movable or stationary decoy displayed on a stake for attracting waterfowl where the decoy has a neck portion, a head portion, a body portion, and a stake that protrudes from and may be securely attached to the body portion of the decoy. A tubular receiving member having an internal channel is provided for loosely receiving the stake. The tubular receiving member can be made of black PVC conduit or other suitable materials and has an upper end that is flared to provide an opening that is larger than the internal channel in the tubular receiving member and a lower end that is sealed to prevent water from entering the tubular receiving member. The lower end of the tubular receiving member is adapted to be mounted in the ground.

Abstract: An ice fishing line protection device, for protecting micro fishing line as light as one or two pound test, comprising an elongated tube with an internal passageway through which a fishing line may pass. The protection device floats in an ice fishing hole protecting the line from abrasions. The protection device opens to release the line or it can be extracted from the ice hole entirely when a fish is caught.

Abstract: A weedless fishing lure having arms supporting first and second single hooks substantially equidistant from an attachment point. The first hook is mounted upon a fish-resembling lure member, with a spinner member attached behind the fish-resembling lure member. The spinner member is configured to produce motion when the lure is pulled through the water, which motion is transferred to the fish-resembling lure member, thereby to produce motion attractive to fish. The second hook is disposed in a plane common to the first hook, with the second hook being operatively disposed in a skirted member.

Abstract: An enclosure for the sharp portions of a fish hook comprises an elastic wall having a slit distortable by deformation of the wall to form an aperture through which the bite of the fish hook may pass into an interior space formed by the wall. Relaxation of external pressure on the wall permits the resilient wall to return to an undeformed condition, closing the slit and enclosing the sharp portions of the fish hook.

Abstract: Electric pest deterrents device having knitted conductors are presented. An elongated conductor comprising at least a single conducting strand knitted with itself or with other conducting strands can be attached to a based of the device. The conducting strands can be knitted according to one or more patterns to form textured surfaces having raise protrusions.

Abstract: The invention provides for a method of producing an isoprenyl alkanoate in a genetically modified host cell. In one embodiment, the method comprises culturing a genetically modified host cell which expresses an enzyme capable of catalyzing the esterification of an isoprenol and a straight-chain fatty acid, such as an alcohol acetyltransferase (AAT), wax ester synthase/diacylglycerol acyltransferase (WS/DGAT) or lipase, under a suitable condition so that the isoprenyl alkanoate is produced.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of at least one oil-soluble compound B) which acts as a nucleating agent for paraffin crystallization and which is selected from comb polymers that carry alkyl side chains having on average a length of at least 18 C atoms per mole for improving the response of cold flow improvers for mineral oils C), which are different from B), in middle distillates that contain at least one ashless, nitrogenous detergent additive A), which is an oil-soluble, amphiphilic compound that comprises at least one alkyl or alkenyl group bound to a polar group, said alkyl or alkenyl group having 10 to 500 C atoms and the polar group having 2 or more nitrogen atoms.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a functional mulching film for rice direct seeding, and a mulching film manufactured>by the same method. The mulching film is installed in a paddy field and formed to suppress weed growth and contains a fertilizer for enhancing rice growth and a powder ore for reinforcing the fertility of the soil.

Abstract: The presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) relates to an erectable and/or collapsible floral easel for holding a floral object, and more particularly but not by way of limitation, to an erectable or collapsible floral easel for holding a floral object. In one aspect, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) relates to a floral easel for holding and/or supporting a floral object. In yet another aspect, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) relates to methods of shipping a floral easel, methods of using a floral easel, methods of storing a floral easel, and methods of placing a floral object on a floral easel.

Abstract: A process for controlling grapevine ripening comprises a step, to be implemented between the birth of the rachis (R) and harvesting of the bunch (G), in which rachis (R) supporting means (1) are applied, designed to at least counterbalance the weight of the flowers and fruit developing on the rachis (R), allowing the rachis (R) to grow according to its original direction. A piece of equipment for controlling grapevine ripening, in accordance with the above-mentioned process, comprises a structure (2) fixed to the ground and rachis (R) supporting means (1) which can be connected to the fixed structure (2).

Abstract: The invention concerns a fitting consisting of a part made of injected plastic for connecting a water tank and a hollow cone made of porous ceramics, so as to produce a device for dispensing water individually to plants, in particular potted plants, proximate to their roots, and in predetermined amount, comprising three coaxial parts; a disc-shape intermediate part with a central hole; a part consisting of one or two cylinders, arranged on one side of the disc and designed to be permanently fixed to the cone; a part consisting like part A of one or two cylinders bearing a thread on the inner surfaces, arranged on the other side of the disc and capable of receiving a bottle removably screwed.

Abstract: A method for efficiently delivering an aqueous solution to plants includes positioning a distal portion of a microporous hydrophobic tubing coated with a hydrophilic polymer adjacent a root system of a plant and channeling an aqueous solution from an inlet to the distal portion through a lumen. The tubing along the distal portion has a porosity adapted for permitting a flow of the aqueous solution therethrough when acted upon by a surfactant root exudate generated by the roots due to water stress. The aqueous solution is held in a reservoir, from which it can be channeled to the hydrophilic device's inlet. A nutrient solution can also be channeled to the plant roots via additional tubing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a rooted cutting which can be applied to Pinaceae trees. Specifically, the present invention provides a method for producing a rooted cutting of a Pinaceae tree, comprising the following steps A and B. A: adding a cytokinin to the outside of a shoot apex of a short shoot of a Pinaceae tree to thereby induce a new scaly leaf and/or primary leaf; B: cutting out the short shoot where new scaly leaf and/or primary leaf is induced in the step A, inserting the short shoot as a cutting in a rooting bed wetted with a carbon source-free liquid medium comprising nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium as essential elements, and culturing the short shoot in a culturing vessel while regulating the concentration of CO2 gas in the culturing vessel at a humidity of 80% or more to thereby root the cutting.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the germination and/or modulation of plant development using the inventive concept of subjecting plants to simulated hypergravity conditions as a way of increasing efficiency and speed of plant development and/or germination.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly in use forming a tray for plant material. The assembly includes a holder; and at least one insert which can be respectively placed in and removed from the holder. The insert includes at least one cell defining a plant position. The cell includes at least a wall and a bottom for accommodating content in the cell during use of the assembly. The at least one wall substantially encloses the plant position. The wall and/or bottom comprises an opening through which access is provided with means for removing the content of the cell, such as a pusher or a ram.

Abstract: Compressed coconut coir pith granules having unique physical and horticultural characteristics are provided along with methods for producing such compressed products by subjecting coconut coir pith to compaction utilizing a roll compactor and subsequently granulating the compacted material.

Abstract: In a burner for highly caking coal in which a solid fuel channel that is attached penetrating through a surrounding wall of a gasifier for gasifying a highly caking solid fuel that has been pulverized into particles and that supplies the solid fuel into the gasifier by gas flow transportation, and a gasifying agent channel that supplies a gasifying agent into the gasifier are provided, a blockage detection unit that detects a blockage situation of the solid fuel channel is provided, and a process for reducing the temperature of the solid fuel is performed when the blockage detection unit detects a predetermined blockage situation.

Abstract: In a coal gasification furnace adapted to feed pulverized coal thereinto by the use of inert carrier gas and gasify the same, any startup burner can be unnecessitated thereby eliminating any startup combustion chamber. Further, even in the use of a startup burner, it is smaller and lighter in weight than conventional startup burners, allowing the startup combustion chamber to be compact and limiting the height of the entirety of the gasification furnace. As a characteristic feature, a pulverized coal fuel supply passageway (23) to a combustor burner (9) is provided at its midstream portion with a startup gas supply passageway (29) for supply of a startup combustible gas (NG1).

Abstract: A window assembly (30) comprising a frame (36) in which are received sliding and security members. The security member has ventilating and non-ventilating parts (40, 32), with the sliding member (34) being slidably moveable over the security member between a first position in which air may pass through the ventilating part (40) so as to ventilate the room in which the window assembly (30) is located, and a second position in which no such ventilation can occur. The ventilating part 40 may comprise a grille, perforated sheet, lattice arrangement or the like.

Abstract: A cover for closing the service opening of a pit casing, the cover including an opening with a hatch and a first member coupled to the cover that is accessible though the opening in the cover when the hatch is not in a closed position, wherein when the cover is in a closed position to close the service opening the first member is in cooperative proximity with a second member coupled to the pit casing that at most protrudes only a portion of the span of the service opening, and when the cover is in the closed position and the hatch on the cover is opened from its closed position the first and second members, may be coupled together to resist the cover from being moved to open the service opening.

Abstract: An automated coupling mechanism for sliding doors that are movably mounted upon a storage unit. The coupling mechanism may comprise a rotating mechanism comprising a rotating member, and connecting unit. The storage unit may comprise at least one outer sliding door and at least one inner sliding door comprising an upper track, where the connecting unit connect the rotating mechanism to the outer sliding door. The rotating member and the track may be made from material of substantially high friction coefficient to enable the rotating member to move the inner sliding door along the track when rotated. The connecting unit, which are connect the rotating mechanism to the outer sliding door, may enable the outer sliding door to move in the opposite direction of the inner sliding door, whereby the inner sliding door is moved by the rotating mechanism as a physical counteraction.