Abstract: A retrofit turner and sensor unit includes, on its upper portion, a grain turner for moving grain from a central portion in the grain pathway to a defined outer space for measurement. On its lower portion, the retrofit unit includes a moisture sensor and a temperature sensor provided in a plate configuration in line with the outer wall of the grain dryer for sensing moisture and temperature of grain in the defined space. In the preferred configuration, the plate sensor includes redundancies, and is mounted on a hinged door. The retrofit unit is easily installed into an existing grain dryer with columns and continuous flow capabilities, and electrically connected with a controller/processor and a motor for metering rolls which determine grain speed through the dryer.

Abstract: A method and kit of parts for measuring the comfortable shape of a foot for a person. The kit comprises front and rear platforms of adjustable height and a supporting surface for accommodating the plantar surface of a foot extending between said platforms. The aforementioned components can be adjusted to various settings with a view to determining a comfortable plantar foot shape. The foot shape can then be captured by scanning with an optical or mechanical probe or scanner. A method of making a customized shoe and shoe last on basis of the captured foot shape is also disclosed.

Abstract: A shoe insole is injection molded from composite materials, the composite materials includes 62%-80% by weight of nylon and 20%-38% by weight of short fiber material.

Abstract: Described are embodiments of multi-functional footwear. In one example, an article of footwear includes a climbing arch configured to receive at least a portion of a climbing surface. The climbing arch also includes a plurality of engagement members extending from the arch and configured to engage a climbing surface. The article of footwear may also include a protective plate, a plurality of outwardly extending protrusions that form a receiving area configured to receive a portion of a second body, a drainage system configured to drain liquid from within the article of footwear, and/or an anti-rope burn upper. The described, multi-functional footwear may be designed with significantly less mass than known footwear.

Abstract: A ski-boot comprising an outer rigid shell, to receive the user's foot, and a rigid bootleg, shaped to wrap round the user's ankle, is hinged on the top part of the shell in order to be able to swing about a first reference axis that locally substantially coincides with the articulation axis of the user's ankle; the shell having a front half-shell and a rear half-shell rigidly fixed to one another; the front half-shell having a substantially ogival shape for covering the user's toe substantially up to the beginning of the plantar arch area of the foot and being made of at least one plastic polymer by injection moulding; the rear half-shell being designed to completely cover the remaining part of the foot, starting substantially from the plantar arch area of the foot and being made of a composite material containing fibres embedded in a resin matrix.

Abstract: A pair of shoes is provided that includes a left and a right shoe. The left shoe includes an upper having a left forefoot portion, the left forefoot portion having a lateral side with a portion thereof made of a first material and a medial side with a portion thereof made of a second material. The right shoe includes an upper having a right forefoot, the right forefoot having a medial side with a portion thereof made of the first material and a lateral side with a portion thereof made of the second material, wherein one of the first material and the second material provides more support than the other. The more supportive first material can include a polyurethane, such as TPU, a non-stretch synthetic material, or ceraprene. The second, less supportable material can be a light weight breathable mesh.

Abstract: A cleated shoe is presented which provides cushion support and lateral stability in a lightweight construction. The shoe includes a lower and an upper. The lower may include a primary midsole, cushion elements, and an outsole. A cleat may be connected to the outsole. At least one cushion may be located between the primary midsole and outsole. Various embodiments of cushions are presented and may be consistent with specific types of shoes associated with various types of activities such as football, baseball, lacrosse, soccer, or golf. The lower may be consistent with approaches to remediate a wearer's pronation or supination.

Abstract: A shoe and an apparatus for selectively extending spikes from the bottom of a shoe. The shoe has a sole having a longitudinal direction a plurality of spike apertures. The apparatus comprises a plurality of spike assemblies, each being locatable within one of the spike apertures an elongate member extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the shoe and a cyclically alternating positioner for moving the elongate member between the first and second positions. The positioner including an actuating button. Depressing the actuating button a first time causes the positioner to move the elongate member to a first position whereat the spikes are extended from the sole. Depressing the actuating button a second time causes the positioner to move the elongate member to the second position whereat the spikes are retracted into the sole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a boot (1) comprising a leg (2) in rubber combined with a textile lining (4), the lining (4) comprising a first textile layer (6) able to evacuate moisture (10) and a second textile layer (7) intended to be in contact with the foot (5) of a user, forming a layer to protect the foot against moisture. The first textile layer (6) is made by using a resilient fabric with a thickness greater than 3 mm, and the second textile layer (7) is bamboo viscose based.

Abstract: Disclosed are articles of footwear and soles therefor, in particular sports shoe soles that include openings for ventilation and vapor exchange. The soles include an insole layer with a plurality of first openings, a support layer with a plurality of second openings that partially overlap the plurality of first openings, and an outsole layer with at least one third opening that at least partially overlaps the plurality of second openings to provide fluidic communications through the sole from an interior of the shoe to an exterior of the shoe. A substantial portion of the plurality of first openings in the insole are interconnected to provide a path for diffusion. The shoes and soles can include a cushioning layer, a tread layer, a breathable membrane, and additional support elements. In addition, the shoes can be used with climate control socks to further enhance the climate control properties of the shoes.

Abstract: A snow plow includes a primary moldboard and auxiliary plow positioned behind the primary moldboard. The snow plow may be a one-way or reversible snow plow. In the later case, the primary moldboard and auxiliary plow are attached to a drive frame that is rotatable about a frame. The frame is secured to the front of a vehicle by a frame and bracket, and controlled by hydraulic mechanisms. The auxiliary plow is operated independently of the moldboard by a pair of hydraulic cylinders and includes tines or a resilient blade for clearing snow and ice that is not taken up by the primary moldboard. The device also includes a mechanism whereby the scraping edge of the secondary plow follows the same path as the scraping edge of moldboard by sliding movement of the secondary plow relative to the drive frame, and the blade of the auxiliary plow may be formed by tines or a resilient blade.

Abstract: A snow plow for attachment to a vehicle, the snow plow including a mounting apparatus having a mounting frame, the mounting frame including at least one mounting upright. The snow plow further including a plow blade having a retention apparatus constructed and arranged to slidlingly and disengageably secure the plow blade to the mounting upright(s) when the plow blade is in a working orientation. The mounting upright includes a limiting member that limits upward movement of the retention member when the plow blade is in a working orientation such that the retention member is secured on the mounting upright. The preferred snow plow may also include an attachment member located on the mounting apparatus, wherein the plow blade retention member may be removably secured within the attachment member when the plow blade is in a non-working orientation.

Abstract: A mounting pin assembly having a retaining member which includes a locating surface and a boss extending from the locating surface. The mounting pin assembly also has a locating member slidably mountable upon the locating surface of the retaining member. The locating member also has an enlarged portion defined by an outwardly divergent face. The mounting pin assembly also has a tensioning member extending between and coupling the boss of said retaining member and the locating member. The tensioning member is configured to cause relative contraction of the mounting pin assembly such that the locating member is drawn upon the locating surface of the retaining member towards the boss when a tensile force is applied to the tensioning member.

Abstract: A steaming device (100) comprises a boiler (300) configured for heating water to steam. A control device (230,400) is provided for controlling a water flow to the boiler (300), and the boiler (300) is provided with a rinsing drain (320) for letting out rinsing water; and a stopper (330) for covering the rinsing drain (320) and for activating the control device (230, 400). The stopper (330) has a first position for starting a rinsing process, in which first position the rinsing drain (320) is opened by the stopper (330) and the stopper (330) is configured to activate the control device (230,400). The stopper (330) has a second position for ending the rinsing process, in which second position the rinsing drain (320) is closed by the stopper (330) and the stopper (330) is configured to de-activate the control device (230, 400).

Abstract: A game animal tagging apparatus includes a substantially transparent flexible plastic strip having a front side, a back side, and predetermined dimensions, with a pocket member disposed on a portion of the front side. The plastic strip has at least one wing portion and an adhesive covers at least 20 percent of the front side of the plastic strip, and a removable protective member covers at least all of the adhesive.

Abstract: A gas cylinder collar is provided comprising a planar collar having a through-hole generally centrally positioned in the collar, the collar having opposing surfaces, one of the surfaces being comprised of at least one pre-selected indicia color, and the opposing surface being comprised of a different pre-selected indicia color, the respective indicia colors on one of the opposing surfaces being indicative of one or more of the type of gas in the gas cylinder and/or the source of the gas, and/or the customer, while the indicia color of the opposing surface being indicative of the gas cylinder being empty.

Abstract: An example frame assembly is configured to hold a display board relative to a bin. The assembly includes a frame establishing an opening and a hooked portion establishing a groove. The hooked portion is configured to extend into an interior of the bin when a portion of the bin is received within the groove. A locking feature is configured to engage a corresponding locking feature. A display board is held relative to the bin when the portion of the bin is received within the groove and the locking feature engages the corresponding locking feature such that the opening provides a path for viewing the display board.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and kits for temporarily marking a plurality of separate objects.

Abstract: A modular system of displaying and framing images that includes magnets on the frame that allows for easy assembly of individual units and the easy display on a wall or on a flat surface. Additionally, each modular unit can connect with other individual units to grow the display in many directions. In an alternate embodiment, a frame is disclosed that allows for the display of non-traditional sized items, such as panoramic photos, in a single frame, using a simple connecting design. Specialized software that detects the date a photograph was taken can also be utilized to created progressive images of the same person or place that advance with time, given the known information of the dates of creation.

Abstract: Display apparatuses for displaying a sheet material, including a panel including a front face and a rear face opposite the front face, a protuberance projecting from the front face, and a cap mounted to the protuberance in a position spaced from the front face to define a gap between the cap and the front face on at least one lateral side of the protuberance, wherein the gap has a thickness substantially similar to the thickness of the sheet material to secure the sheet material within the gap when the sheet material is inserted into the gap.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing an accessorizable frame system comprising a display plate, a frame plate, and an attachment, which selectively and releaseably holds the display plate away from the frame plate, are disclosed. In some cases, the attachment that connects the display plate to the frame plate includes a clip that extends from the display plate and which is configured to be received in a corresponding opening within the frame plate. In some instances, to accessorize the frame system, a user adds an aligner, a liner, a back cover, and/or any other suitable component to the frame system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for readily interchanging one tile or panel or set of panels with another tile or panel or set of panels so that the tiles or panels to be layered or mounted onto each other and a user can thereby change out the color, design, style and/or size of the panels at will. The present invention includes a first panel having a front surface, a second panel having a back surface, a block attachment having a front surface and a back surface, the back surface being attached to the back surface of the second panel, and an attachment device having a first part that detachably connects to a second part. The first part of the attachment device is attached to the front surface of the first panel and the second part is either attached to the front surface of the block attachment or is defined in the front surface of the block attachment. Additional attachment devices may also be utilized.

Abstract: A handgun has at least one barrel; a cartridge chamber; a gun lock correlated with the cartridge chamber and provided with a hammer to be cocked against a spring force into a cocked position and with a trigger for releasing the hammer from the cocked position. First and second electric or electronic sensor devices are provided. The first sensor device recognizes whether the hammer is cocked. The second sensor device recognizes whether a cartridge is in the cartridge chamber. At least one light illuminates when the hammer of the gun lock is cocked; when a cartridge is inserted in the cartridge chamber; or when both of these conditions are fulfilled. A mechanical locking and unlocking device acts on the hammer. In a locking position it secures the hammer in the uncocked position. It is electrically operable by a battery and is in the locking position when currentless.

Abstract: A collapsible M16-type stock which includes a first portion coupled to the firearm buffer tube and a second portion abutting the user's shoulder, with a recoil mitigation mechanism disposed between the two portions, so as to mitigate the recoil caused by the firearm.

Abstract: In embodiments, a modular rifle includes a lower receiver assembly, an upper receiver, and a coupling mechanism. The lower receiver assembly that can be separated into a lower receiver portion and a magazine well portion. The coupling mechanism is configured to releasably couple the portions of the lower receiver assembly together. The coupling mechanism including an aperture and a pin that can be moved into and out of the aperture. The upper receiver is releasably coupled to the lower receiver assembly.

Abstract: A firearm having a frame and a barrel pivotally mounted to the frame, and further including a locking block pivotally mounted to the frame and movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the locking block engages the barrel to prevent pivotal motion thereof; and a trigger mechanism for a firearm having a neutral center of gravity, the trigger member having a geometry that results in an equal and/or symmetric distribution of its mass relative to the pivot point of the trigger, wherein impact caused by dropping the firearm will result in substantially equal application of forces on opposed sides of the trigger member, thereby reducing the likelihood of unintended discharge of the firearm.

Abstract: The invention concerns a trigger mechanism for hand firearms, in particular pistols, with a striking lever (2) for the actuation of a firing pin (6), a pre-tensioning spring (13) associated with the striking lever (2), a trigger spring (14), associated with the striking lever (2), a striking lever (5) for control of the pre-tensioning spring (13), and a trigger rod (8) which is connected with a trigger (9) at its front end and cooperates with the striking lever (2) and the control lever (5) at its rear end. A particularly compact design is thus attainable in that the pre-tensioning spring (13) and the trigger spring (14) are placed inside the striking lever (2).

Abstract: A sight assembly removably attachable to a firearm includes a foregrip, a quantum cascade laser disposed within the foregrip, and a power source operably connected to the quantum cascade laser.

Abstract: A rail clamp mount that may be quickly and easily firmly secured to a rail, such as a rail carried by a gun, and that may be quickly and easily released from the rail. A preferred embodiment comprises a mount base including a first rail-engaging surface; a generally U-shaped, somewhat elastic clamping member carried by the mount base and including two second rail-engaging surfaces at the ends of the legs of the U, and a third second rail-engaging surface at the end of the center section of the clamping member between the legs of the U, the second rail-engaging surfaces being opposed to and transversely spaced from the first rail-engaging surface; a cam mechanism mounting the clamping member to the mount base for imparting transverse movement to the clamping member when actuated; and an actuator for the cam mechanism including a throw handle.

Abstract: A quick release weapon mount is provided, the mount comprising a housing member having a base and a means for attaching an accessory, and at least one clamp. The clamp comprising one or more slideably engaged translational members, wherein the translational members are adapted for slideable translational-movement. The means for attaching an accessory can include a lumen, a clamping band, a toggle clamp, a spring clip, a latch or other attachment means. An additional translational clamp can be included to lock an accessory in a fixed axial position on the mount. The mount can further include a supplemental accessory rail for modular construction of several accessories and a safety mechanism for preventing premature release of the mount.

Abstract: Rifle scopes with low-light visible elements include a scope body, a movable optical element defining an optical axis enclosed by the scope body, a turret operably connected to the optical element for adjusting the optical axis, and a low-light visible element attached to the turret such that the rotational position of the turret can be determined by viewing the low-light visible element. A tactile indicator may be attached to the turret such that the rotational position of the turret can be determined by touch. A plurality of indicia may be attached to the perimeter of the turret such that the rotational position of the turret can be determined by viewing the indicia. At least one of the indicia may be visible in low-light conditions.

Abstract: A firearm system having a camera unit with an adjustable optical axis includes a firing device having a muzzle and a light beam projection unit adjusted to an axis of the muzzle and projecting a light beam, a camera unit arranged at a side of the firing device, and an optical axis adjustment unit supporting the camera unit and rotating the camera unit around at least one of a first rotation axis and a second rotation axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis to adjust the optical axis of the camera unit to the light beam of the light beam projection unit on an image obtained by the camera unit.

Abstract: A jig used for fishing includes a jig head having a rattle positioned within a housing. The rattle includes a perforated case with a ringer inside the case. The ringer contacts the interior of the case and produces sound as the jig head moves. The case is enveloped in a wrap, and a hook for catching fish protrudes from the housing.

Abstract: A rattle is intended to be used with a fishing bait. The rattle includes a perforated case with a ringer inside the case. The ringer contacts the interior of the case and produces sound as the fishing bait moves. The case is enveloped in a wrap.

Abstract: An apparatus provides a fishing rig designed for improved performance in bottom fishing applications such as surf fishing. This fishing rig includes a hoop attached to the top of a sinker. The rig line is attached at its bottom end to the hoop, and a hook-shaped member is attached to the rig line above the hoop. Above the hook-shaped member, one or more fish hooks are attached to the rig line, and a swivel is attached at the top end of the rig line.

Abstract: A yarn object which, even though made of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, can be satisfactorily prevented from color fading caused by contact with other objects or the like, can be produced easily at low cast, and can maintain high strength. The yarn object is colored with a colorant. The yarn object includes a core yarn 2 colored with a predetermined colorant and an outer-layer yarn 3 disposed on the periphery of the core yarn. The outer-layer yarn 3 is disposed in such a manner that the core yarn 2 is prevented from contacting with other objects. The outer-layer yarn 3 includes a transparent filament and a space 4 is formed between the outer-layer yarns 3. The color applied to the core yarn 2 is externally visible through the transparent outer-layer yarn 3 and the space therebetween 4.

Abstract: A panel of fabric, 40 sq. ft. or more in size, held in shape by a floating collapsible frame that is easily and quickly assembled and disassembled, for the purpose of aggregating free-swimming gamefish into the immediate area of the invention. The invention collapses into a very small package, so that one or more can be easily stored and transported on a boat. The device also incorporates a chum bag underneath to enhance the fish attracting properties by first attracting bait. It is designed to be free-floating or attached to a drifting or anchored boat, thereby bringing gamefish within casting distance. No existing FAD is portable and compact, as they are pre-assembled or made for permanent deployment.

Abstract: A mosquito control trap taking advantage of the normal stages of development for a mosquito. The trap including stagnant water trapped within a container by a weeping platform floating on top of the water. A series of holes in the weeping platform provide exposure of the water to form brood cups in which female mosquitoes lay eggs. In order to develop through the larva and pupa stage the developing insects must enter the larger reservoir of stagnant water, since there is insufficient room in the brood cups. However, the holes are too small to permit escape of the adult mosquito, thus preventing any of the eggs from developing. This device provides a means for controlling mosquitoes without the use of pesticides and is especially suitable for use in lesser developing countries.

Abstract: The present invention discloses trapping devices for biting (e.g. mosquitoes, sand flies, black flies, and biting midges) and nuisance flies (e.g. houseflies, filth flies, and fruit flies). The outdoor solution for biting flies includes a solar panel, a housing, a bag, and a ventilator located in the housing. The ventilator creates a capture zone having an airflow toward the bag. A CO2 generator, chemical attractants, a heat source, and a UV light attract mosquitoes to the capture zone. The chemical attractants are released continuously, the CO2 is released in pulses, and the ventilator and UV are operated in independent programmable intervals. The device is efficient in energy consumption and CO2 production. Other trapping devices are disclosed having a combination of insect-attracting mechanisms including a ventilator. Novel insect zappers including a ventilator are disclosed as well. Indoor and outdoor solutions for insects including biting and nuisance flies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for the batch preparation of esters of fatty acids obtained from biological sources. In particular, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for the batch preparation of methyl esters of fatty acids obtained from waste oil or animal fats for use as biodiesel.

Abstract: A coating is provided for a landscaping material, comprising a hybrid network of high functionality structured oligomeric siloxane and a polyalkylene glycol coupled with a co-product of monopropylene glycol and propylene oxide. The coating may be coupled with a pigmented colorant and be further mixed with a water-based carrier. The coating is contemplated to increase the efficiency of the mulch as compared to plain mulch material and other coating materials. A testing apparatus, including a retention basin and water measuring basin, are also defined as a means to determine the efficiency of the mulch material and its corresponding coating.

Abstract: A method is taught for increase crop yield and weight per acre comprising the steps of providing a degradable mulch film, then laying the degradable mulch film over a cleared field, and covering a portion of the degradable mulch film with soil. The mulch film is made up a below ground degradable film (B) an above ground degradable film (A), film B is co-extruded with film A and another film B to have a BAB structure where the films B and film A have a single layer feel. Film B is a plastic resin treated with an acid and having an additive that supplies a source of oxygen, and a metal stearate. Film A is a plastic resin an additive for aiding decomposition and an additive to retard decomposition.

Abstract: Vine plants are layered along a row of vine plants supported in growing media in a vine crop by a vine planet supporting system suspended from an overhead building structure locating the vine crop therein. The system includes a track extending in a longitudinal direction along the row of vine plants spaced above the growing media. A spool body supporting a string wound thereon is associated with each vine plant to support the vine plant extending along the string. A carrier body slidable along the track supports each spool body on the track. The spool bodies are coupled to the track such that the spool bodies are each arranged to unwind the string therefrom responsive to displacement of the spool body with the respective carrier body in the direction of the row of vine plants.

Abstract: A moisture absorbing and water transferring self watering structured planters, including a plurality of a tapering plant pots, capable of mounting one upon another in a staggered fashion, to provide a series of stacked planters, a bottom planter shaped to provide for its accommodations upon a deck rail, or the bottom planter may locate within a tray, even one that contains casters, to provide freedom for movement upon a patio, deck, or other floor. Contained within each of the stackable containers, and also within the bottom planter, is an elevated base, containing perforations, and a series of downwardly depending slotted wells, the latter into which potting soil may locate, for submerging into any water contained within water reservoirs provided within the bottom of each container, or bottom planter, to achieve migration of water upwardly into the potting soil, for irrigation and moisturization of the root system of any planted vegetation.

Abstract: A medium based on rice hull material useful as support for germination and plant growth has been developed. Such material which is effectively devoid of allelopathic substances can be used alone or as an additive. Following, it provides a basis for non-soil germination and plant growth media which are a light material and non-expensive.

Abstract: A process for reducing free oxygen in a gaseous nitrogen stream comprises the steps of (i) reforming a hydrocarbon to generate a gas mixture containing hydrogen and carbon oxides, (ii) mixing the gas mixture with a nitrogen stream containing free oxygen, and (iii) passing the resulting nitrogen gas mixture over a conversion catalyst that converts at least a portion of the free oxygen present in the nitrogen to steam wherein the hydrocarbon reforming step includes oxidation of a hydrocarbon using an oxygen-containing gas.

Abstract: A crash barrier apparatus for a structure opening that is closable with a movable door, the door being constructed and arranged with a security structure to close off the structure opening. The specific security structure of the referenced crash barrier apparatus includes, in one embodiment, a first support that is anchored to a first base surface, a second support that is anchored to a second base surface, and a beam received by the supports. In other embodiments, cable arrangements are used.

Abstract: A door with a moveable window sash and a method of operating the same. The door includes vertical jambs with vertical channels. A window sash is movable in the vertical channels. A retractable screen assembly is attached to the door. The retractable screen assembly includes a roller, a flexible screen attached at a first end to the roller and at a second end to the movable window sash, and a biasing mechanism adapted to apply a continuous torque to the roller. The torque generates a positioning force on the window sash equal to at least 50% of the force of gravity acting on a window sash, such that the window sash can be positioned at an infinite number of locations along the vertical channels.

Abstract: In a structure including rotary gears spaced apart from each other in a radial direction, and chains which are placed to face each other, engage individually with the respective rotary gears and move in an interlocking manner, have flexible chain sections and flexure preventing sections which project from the chain sections and come into engagement with each other at a point located on one end side with respect to an engaged portion where the chains engage with the rotary gears, and are attached at their one ends to a sliding body such as a window glass, the flexure preventing sections are brought into engagement with each other to prevent the chains from flexing in separating directions and join them together to make one end side of the chains a non-flexible portion in the form of an angular bar.

Abstract: A vehicle door comprises an outer module (10) which itself comprises a loadbearing doorframe (12-16) made of high-strength sheet steel which has a lateral collision protection (16) and bears the hinges of the door, and an outer panel (17) fastened in the doorframe in such a way that it is closely adjacent to the lateral collision protection, and an inner module which comprises an inner panel, a window surround, a window winding device and a door lock, the inner module constituting a closed box (26) against the doorframe and being screwed firmly to the doorframe in such a way that it is removable as a unit while the doorframe is attached to the bodywork by its hinges. The window surround (27) of the inner panel comprises a first profile (28) which is open outwards and is otherwise formed integrally with the inner panel, and a second open profile (29) which is fastened to the first profile in such a way that the window surround is provided with a closed profile.