Abstract: Sole (1) for shoes, comprising a container (9) housing a compressed gas including an active ingredient and provided with: an output (12) for dispensing the gas and actuating means (10) connected to said output (12) adapted to close and open said output so as to allow gas delivery. The sole is characterised in that said actuating means comprises an electro-magnet (15a, 15b) adapted to produce a magnetic field from an electrical current and a moving element configured to assume different positions under the control of said magnetic field. The electro-magnet is mechanically coupled to said output (12) so as to correspondingly close and open the output.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to footwear such as a shoe, including an athletic shoe, with a shoe sole, including at least one removable midsole section formed by a midsole portion, wherein the removable midsole section is non-orthotic. The removable midsole section is inserted within the shoe upper, the sides of which hold it in position. The shoe sole includes a concavely rounded side or underneath portion, which may be formed in part by the removable midsole section. The removable midsole section may extend the length of the shoe sole or may form only a part of the shoe sole and can incorporate cushioning or structural compartments or components. The removable midsole section provides the capability to permit replacement of midsole material which has degraded or has worn out in order to maintain optimal characteristics of the shoe sole.

Abstract: A riding boot attachment for use with a riding boot includes a body member having a first surface, a second surface, and at least two openings for receiving the riding boot. The body member receives at least a portion of the riding boot and is shaped and configured to conform to a contour of the riding boot. The riding boot attachment also includes a sole for engaging a stirrup, the sole coupled to the first surface of the body member, and a magnetic member coupled to the sole.

Abstract: The invention provides an aerodynamic athletic shoe, more particularly an aerodynamic shoe with an integrated shoe cover and an optional aerodynamic heel element.

Abstract: A shoe structure having an exterior upper, an interior upper, an insole and an outsole. The interior upper has an upper opening with a peripheral edge at the upper end of the interior upper and a lower opening with a peripheral edge at the lower sole-side end of the interior upper, with the interior upper also having a rear or heel area, two side areas and a front area with a seam running between the upper and lower openings. The seam runs from the upper opening on the one side over the front area to the lower opening on the other side.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to footwear with a shoe sole, including at least one insertable midsole orthotic. The insertable midsole orthotic is removably inserted within the shoe upper, the sides of which hold it in position. The shoe sole includes a concavely rounded side or underneath portion, which may be formed in part by the insertable midsole orthotic. The insertable midsole orthotic may extend the length of the shoe sole or may form only a part of the shoe sole and can incorporate cushioning or structural compartments or components. The insertable midsole orthotic permits replacement of midsole material which has degraded or has worn out in order to maintain optimal characteristics of the shoe sole and allows customization for the individual wearer to provide tailored cushioning or support characteristics for the purpose of orthopedic, podiatric, corrective, prescriptive, therapeutic and/or prosthetic purposes.

Abstract: There is disclosed an underwater excavation apparatus (5) comprising: means (10) for disturbing or excavating an underwater location, comprising mass flow excavation means (20); and means (15) for extracting or sucking excavated material from the location to another location comprising further mass flow means (25). Means (30) to restrict spoil and/or direct spoil to the suction means (25) are provided and comprises a baffle (35) provided within a cavity (45) of a housing (40) having an open base (60). An outlet (105) of the mass flow means (20) and an inlet (110) of the suction means (25) are located within the housing (40), while an inlet (100) of the mass flow means (20) and an outlet (115) of the suction means (25) are located external of the housing (40).

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the depth of a hoe bucket, including a hoe bucket defining a cutting edge, an elongated member pivotably connected to the bucket, an actuator operationally connected to the elongated member, an electronic controller operationally connected to the actuator, and a position sensor operationally connected to the cutting edge and operationally connected to the electronic controller. The actuator may be energized to pivot the elongated member to a position adjacent the cutting edge for engaging ground, and positioning of the elongated member adjacent the cutting edge prevents the cutting edge from digging ground.

Abstract: A wearable badge for displaying removable indicia includes a backing having an attachment fastener and defining an indicia portion. The wearable badge also includes a frame defining an opening and having a first frame edge and a second frame edge. The first frame edge is joined to the backing such that the first and second frame edges at least partially surround the indicia portion. The indicia portion is viewable through the opening and the second frame edge is moveable away from the backing to facilitate insertion and withdrawal of indicia between the backing and the frame.

Abstract: A set of collectable cards includes base cards bearing background images and accessory cards congruent with the base cards, which bear one or more images that are complementary to the background images and are distributed on a transparent area, and which can be superimposed on the base cards to form composite images. The accessory cards have an adhesive material for temporary connection to the base cards or to other accessory cards in a superimposed condition and define, in combination with another card in an aligned, superimposed condition, shaped portions for the separation of the cards from one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a frame assembly for displaying a plurality of indicia and reflecting an image. The frame assembly comprises a display unit for displaying indicia, an enclosure for supporting the display unit, a mirror supported by the enclosure, a sensor supported by the enclosure, a mass storage device for storing the indicia to be displayed on the display unit, a central processing unit for processing the indicia, a signaling system for switching the frame assembly between a first and second mode of operation, a controller in communication with the sensor and central processing unit, and a power supply display unit. The frame assembly in a first mode displays desired indicia through the mirror and, upon the sensor detecting an object at a desired distance, in a second mode functions as a mirror to reflect an image.

Abstract: An ad sign to be mounted on a seat back of a shopping cart child seat, the ad sign comprising one or more frame bodies configured to display information content, each frame body having a front side and a back side, one of the one or more frame bodies being configured to be connected to a first face of the seat back; and one or more safety strap anchors integral with the one frame body, the one or more safety strap anchors being configured and adapted for securing a child seat safety strap within the child seat; wherein at least one of the one or more safety strap anchors extends from a perimeter of the one frame body; wherein at least one of the one or more safety strap anchors forms a respective opening, the at least one safety strap anchor being configured such that the child seat safety strap can be passed through the opening and connected to the seat back, and being further configured so as to limit a movement of the child seat safety strap when the strap is passed through the opening and connected to the

Abstract: It is intended for being able to adapt advertising elements related to the doors in relation to their opening and closing, in such a way that normally, when the door is closed, the advertising is displayed in its entire extent, and when the door is open the advertising is hidden. It is characterized in that it includes means for linking the advertising elements to the door, in such a way that when the door is closed, the advertising is displayed in its entirety in correspondence with the front surface of the door, hiding the same, while when the door is open the advertising elements leave the space for the door free, with the advertising being normally hidden.

Abstract: Disclosed is a display structure in which an insertion opening, slide grooves, a first fitting portion and a ridged portion along which the display plate bends when the display plate is bent arranged in the loading sections of a support body in a suitable manner to ensure that when the display plate is inserted into or removed from the loading unit, a force is exerted on both sides of the display plate in either the direction from the display surface side to the rear surface side thereof or the direction from the rear surface side to the display surface side thereof, and a force is exerted in another direction at the center region of the display plate. As a result of configuring in this manner, the display plate deforms so that the entire display surface side comes to have a convex or concave shape, thereby allowing the display plate to be attached to or detached from the support body without forcible localized deformation of the display plate.

Abstract: This is a frame system that allows for the assembly of an artist frame and a surface material over the frame where there is no need for internal bracing of the frame and the contact area between the surface material and the frame is minimized. The framing system comprises pre-fabricated sections of a frame that incorporate an I-Joist design with a beveled edge lip on the front facing side. When these frame sections are assembled any stretchable material such as canvas, cloth, or plastic can be pulled over the front of the frame with the lip and connected to the back side at the top or bottom of the modular I-Joist frame.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide firearm receiver with ambidextrous features. Some of these features include a bolt-locking mechanism on a firearm receiver that is configured to allow an operator to clear jams while maintaining hold of a firing grip. The bolt-locking mechanism may include a linking mechanism configured to manipulate a bolt-catch device in response to activation of a magazine release button on a firearm receiver. Other features include an ambidextrous magazine release mechanism on a firearm receiver that is configured to allow an operator to release an inserted magazine while maintaining hold of a firing grip with either hand. The magazine release mechanism may include a linking mechanism configured to manipulate a magazine catch device in response to activation of either a right-handed magazine release button or a left-handed magazine release lever that pivots on an external fulcrum on a firearm receiver.

Abstract: Semiconductors on a flexible substrate provide the sensing circuitry needed for personalizing a handgun grip. In one embodiment, a portion of the semiconductor structure can be applied to a surface using a technique similar to inkjet printing. The flexible semiconductor product can be applied to a sheet or mold placed over the grip, or into the injection molding of the grip itself. Alternately, the semiconductors can be initially formed and printed on a curved grip surface.

Abstract: A safety lock device for lever action firearms. The safety device has two hardened side plates and transverse hardened pins. The safety lock device must be designed for each specific lever action firearm onto which it is intended to be used in order to insure the most secure fit and the highest confidence in the inability for disabling the device once installed onto the firearm. The combination of the hardened pins and a trigger channel and a separate lever channel for the open lever provide protection against the disabling of the lever action safety lock device.

Abstract: A device and method for deactivating firearms is described herein. The device includes a casing having a nozzle and a plunger for dispensing a bonding material out of the nozzle. The device is inserted into the barrel of a weapon, and the material is injected into the barrel near the bolt face of the weapon. The bonding material enters the working mechanism of the firearm and hardens, interfering with operation of the firearm.

Abstract: A method for reducing the weight of a silencer without compromising durability. By reducing the silencer housing wall thickness weight is removed from the silencer module. Areas on the housing where material is removed are primarily selected based on the internal pressure generated in a given chamber of the silencer. Further, removal of external material is selected based on the baffle arrangement. Individual chamber pressure is influenced by the muzzle pressure of the host firearm and the baffle style and baffle orientation within the silencer being used.

Abstract: A fishing device, for use with a reel and rod combination having fishing line with attached terminal tackle, includes a base, an indicator device, a trigger mechanism, and a line device. The base has a hole and slot configuration to allow a fishing line to feed through the base. The indicator device is coupled to the base and is configured to indicate the presence of a fish. The trigger mechanism is configured to cause the indicator device to pop up when the trigger device is activated. The line device attaches to the fishing line and is configured to activate the trigger mechanism. When a fish pulls on the terminal tackle, the line device activates the trigger mechanism that causes the indicator device to pop-up indicating to a user the presence of a fish.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fishing lure comprising a body including a front end, a rear end and a belly portion disposed between the front end and the rear end; wherein the belly portion includes at least a part that has a lateral dimension greater than a lateral dimension of another part of the body longitudinally offset from the part of the belly portion and another part of the body transversely offset from the part of the belly portion.

Abstract: A Straight Fishing Hook comprising a primary hook (1) with an elongated body (2) having an eyelet at the opposite end (3) and second hook (4) attached by its shank to the elongated body at approximately four fifth of the length of the elongate body measured from the eyelet, the second hook extending at a 90 degree angle to the primary hook; a third hook (5) attached by its shank to the elongated body at approximately three fifth of the length of the elongate body measured from the eyelet, the third hook extending at a 180 degree angle to the primary hook; a fourth hook (6) attached by its shank to the elongated body at approximately two fifth of the length of the elongate body measured from the eyelet, the fourth hook extending at a 270 degree angle to the primary hook.

Abstract: A weight for use in fishing including a hook having a body and a weight collar having a cylindrical shape and a bore formed therein. The weight collar is made of a soft material including a heavy material, and wherein the body of the hook is received in the bore to locate the hook at a desired location on the body of the hook.

Abstract: Fishing line stops are disclosed. Fishing line stops illustratively include a lid and a main body. The lid has inner and outer walls. The lid outer wall forms a portion of an outer surface of the fishing line stop. The lid inner wall has first and second surfaces. The lid inner wall first and second surfaces are separated from each other by a lid offset that runs perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis. The main body has inner and outer walls. The main body inner wall forms another portion of the outer surface of the fishing line stop. The main body inner wall has first and second surfaces. The main body inner wall first and second surfaces are separated from each other by a main body offset that runs perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A rat trap (1) comprising a power supply (80) and means (3) for killing a rat and a first sensor adapted to detect the presence of a rat in the space within the reach of the killing means and where control means are arranged capable of receiving a signal from the first sensor, and being adapted for activating the killing means (3) to kill the rat when the presence of the rat is detected by the sensor according to the invention the trap further comprise a second sensor (85) for detecting light, and the control means is capable of receiving a signal from the second sensor (85) and being adapted for deactivating the killing means (3) or the first sensor for a period of time after the detection of light by the second sensor. Hereby it is possible to prevent accidents due to e.g. erroneous activation of the trap in case of ordinary localised work illumination, including e.g. also in daylight at ground level or in artificial work illumination at the bottom of a shaft.

Abstract: A device for attracting and capturing or otherwise disabling insects includes a fan mechanism structured and arranged to provide an outflow of air out of the device to atmosphere, and to draw an inflow directed counter the outflow from atmosphere into the device, the outflow being substantially within the inflow outside of the device. The flow mechanism is also structured and arranged to provide an insect attractant in the outflow. The device can include mounting structure being adapted to position the device with the outflow directed in a substantially downward direction. The outflow attracts insects to the vicinity of the device, and the inflow urges the insects to enter the device. An insect disabling structure is arranged with the flow mechanism to capture or otherwise disable insects being urged into the device by the inflow.

Abstract: The present invention provides an organic fuel additive composition. The present invention further provides an emulsion fuel comprising the organic fuel additive composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel additive composition. The present invention further provides an emulsion fuel comprising the fuel additive composition. The present invention also provides a process for processing vegetable oil to obtain glycerin, fatty alcohol and biodiesel.

Abstract: A composition containing a petroleum hydrocarbon, a biodiesel fuel or an ethanol fuel, and an organic marker compound.

Abstract: Alkoxylated fatty acid alkyl esters are produced from a bio-component feed, preferably containing triglycerides. The triglycerides can be reacted with an alcohol in the presence of an acidic catalyst to form alkoxylated fatty acid alkyl esters, which can provide improved low temperature properties and/or improved oxidative stability in petrochemical products, relative to non-alkoxylated versions of the fatty acid alkyl esters.

Abstract: A method of making cerium dioxide nanoparticles includes: a) providing an aqueous reaction mixture having a source of cerous ion, a source of hydroxide ion, a nanoparticle stabilizer, and an oxidant at an initial temperature no higher than about 20° C.; b) mechanically shearing the mixture and causing it to pass through a perforated screen, thereby forming a suspension of cerium hydroxide nanoparticles; and c) raising the initial temperature to achieve oxidation of cerous ion to eerie ion and thereby form cerium dioxide nanoparticles having a mean diameter in the range of about 1 nm to about 15 nm. The cerium dioxide nanoparticles may be formed in a continuous process.

Abstract: Algae-derived synthetic coal and filtrates. The invention described herein provides an algae-derived synthetic coal product and filtrates and process for preparing the same using an improved hydrothermal carbonization process. The synthetic coal product is similar to natural bituminous coal in terms of percent carbon content and energy equivalency while at the same time containing relatively low levels of sulfur and contaminant heavy metals. Unlike natural coal and other fossil fuels, because the carbon of the biomass is formed through photosynthesis, carbon dioxide formed during combustion is a “carbon neutral” event with little or no “new” carbon dioxide being added to the earth's atmosphere. The algae-derived filtrates contain useful constituents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydro thermal carbonization process for the preparation of coal-like material using biomass. The process comprises a step (i) of heating a reaction mixture comprising water and biomass to obtain a reaction mixture comprising activated biomass; and a step (ii) of adding a polymerization initiator to the reaction mixture obtained in step (i) to polymerize the activated biomass and to obtain a reaction mixture comprising coal-like material. The process is beneficial in terms of product control, and process engineering.

Abstract: A process for converting biomass into high value energy products is provided comprising the steps of: debarking, chipping, and screening wood; separating a plurality of hemicellulose from a plurality of cellulose and lignin; hydrolyzing the plurality of hemicellulose into monosaccharides; fermenting the monosaccharides using immobilized Pachysolen tannophilus; removing the lignin from the plurality of cellulose and lignin; and making a paper pulp from the plurality of cellulose.

Abstract: The invention relates to coal conversion, and in particular, to the production of thermal power and high-calorific solid fuel (coke) out of coal for metallurgy, power production, and other industries. The method uses 0-35 mm coal particles as initial raw material, the coal conversion being performed in two steps of fluidized bed heat treatment. At the first step, the raw material is thermally oxidized at 650-800° C. with air supply, and at the second step the coke product is cooled by supply of water steam or chilled flue gases. The apparatus for embodying the method includes a boiler where a furnace comprises two fluidized-bed sections separated with a barrier, the first section being supplied with air, and the second section being supplied with water steam or chilled flue gases.

Abstract: A system for dispersing water to the root zone of one or more plants beneath the soil's surface, comprising a perforated hollow cylindrical tube, ending in a spike, with an internal filter, which is driven into the ground to deliver water to the root zone of a plant or plants is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for improving the agriculture of sesame, an Improved Non-Dehiscent (IND) sesame class and methods for breeding IND are disclosed. The IND sesame holds its seed in capsules for four or more weeks after ideal harvesting time, during extended adverse weather conditions, thus offering the grower flexibility as to when to harvest. The methods also improve current agricultural methods for growing sesame by allowing growers to leave the crop in the field for a longer period of time without the loss of seeds and concomitant reduced yield. The grower is able to reduce the ratio of combine harvesters required for mechanical harvest of sesame crops. Further, a method of growing crops in geographical areas previously unsuitable for sesame agriculture is disclosed. IND allows ready release of seed from the capsule during mechanized harvesting with minimal broken seed.

Abstract: A flower pot with double revers has a pot body, a ring-shaped stepped unit extending outward disposed on the upper part of the pot, and a connecting circle with an “n” shaped cross-section is disposed on the top of the ring-shaped stepped unit. The connecting circle has an inside circle, an outside circle and a top circle, and the top of the inside circle and the top of the outside circle are connected by the top circle. The outside circle and the top of the ring-shaped stepped unit are connected by an inside screw. The inside circle and the outside circle form a connecting circle connected to the top opening of the pot to strengthen the revers of the flower pot.

Abstract: A self-orientating plant pot and tray system is provided. The pot includes a top and/or a body and is provided with a first drain opening. The top has a first substantially elliptical cross-section and/or the body has a first tapering substantially elliptical cross-section. The tray defines at least one receiving area each for securingly receiving a plant pot in a desired orientation relative therewith. The receiving area includes an upper chamber and/or a body chamber, which are each respectively defined by a depression and/or a receptacle. The depression has a second substantially elliptical cross-section for mating with the top and/or the receptacle has a second tapering substantially elliptical cross-section for mating with the body. The receptacle can be provided with a second drain opening for fluid communication with the first drain opening. The pots can include indicia facing substantially the same direction when assembled with the tray.

Abstract: A growing unit includes a tub onto which may be received a lid that receives a plurality of plant cuttings. The plant cuttings are received such that the roots extend into a cavity defined by the tub. A pump unit and production manifold distributes nutrient solution as a mist into the tub cavity, thereby feeding the plant cuttings. The tub unit has an external fan module that forces air into the tub cavity. A recess in the outer surface of the tub extends underneath the tub. The recess directs air from the fan module to the base of the tub where a well receives the pump. Air circulating around the well removes heat produced by the pump from the growing unit and helps maintain a desired temperature within the unit.

Abstract: An optimized gasification/vitrification processing system having a gasification unit which converts organic materials to a hydrogen rich gas and ash in communication with a joule heated vitrification unit which converts the ash formed in the gasification unit into glass, and a plasma which converts elemental carbon and products of incomplete combustion formed in the gasification unit into a hydrogen rich gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an object 20 in an area adjacent a doorway includes a plurality of transducers US1, US2 mounted proximate the doorway and a processor 40. At least one of the transducers US1 is positioned to repeatedly transmit signals T1 toward an area adjacent the doorway. At least two of the transducers US1, US2 are positioned to repeatedly receive R1, R2 return signals. The processor 40 is operably connected to the plurality of transducers for detecting, in the area adjacent the doorway, an object 20 by determining the object's: position based upon one or more determined distances d1, d2 derived from times between transmission of signals and reception of corresponding return signals; and/or movement based upon transmission of signals and Doppler shift in the reception of corresponding return signals.

Abstract: An energy saving grate system installed outside a building or structure in warm weather that reduces heating due to infrared radiation (IR) from sunlight. For a window application the grate acts as a sunshade to block or diffuse the IR and ultraviolet (UV) portions of sunlight while passing visible light. The grate cell size, depth, cell surface characteristics, and mounting details near the sash determine system performance of sunlight control, of the view through the grate, and of the exterior appearance. The grate is removable for cool weather. The grate system can cool various surfaces and requires no operating adjustments. It can be applied near most windows (including skylights) on all sides of a building where impinging sunlight causes unwanted heating. Compared to external solar thin mesh screens the grate system can provide more open area for a given performance in reduced IR heating.

Abstract: A device for transferring electrical power between a frame and a closable member such as a door includes a first housing and face plate disposed in an opening in the frame and a second housing and face plate disposed in an opening in the closable member edge. The openings are positioned so that when the closable member is closed the openings are aligned. A hollow elbow assembly is rotatably disposed and secured in each hole. A tube having a pivot guide at each end is rotatably and axially slidable in each elbow assembly. A slot in each elbow assembly allows the tube to pivot. A wire bundle in the tube is connectable to wire leads. Boots may be supplied around the tube/elbow assemblies' junctions to exclude water. Thus, the wire bundle is fully contained within a protective, articulated, armored sheath to prevent wear, chafing, breakage, and vandalism.

Abstract: A drive unit for a door includes a guiding device comprising guide rail and a guide element extending in a movement direction of the door. A drive device arranged inside a carriage moves back and forth along the guide rail and is engaged in the guide element. The drive unit is supplied with power via the guide rail and the guide element. Electrical plug connectors are provided on an external power source for the electrical connection of the guide element and the guide rail.

Abstract: A door assembly for a vehicle body including a frame having a first boundary and a second boundary. A first door and a second door with first and second ends are pivotably coupled to the first boundary and the second boundary, respectively, of the frame. The second door includes an end panel at its second end, and a pivot is fixed to the end panel. A cancel lever is rotatably coupled to the pivot, and the cancel lever is arranged to be contacted by the first door at any location within a zone of contact determined by the relative positions of the first and second doors such that a force applied to the cancel lever by the first door includes a component perpendicular to a radius of the cancel lever at the point of contact.

Abstract: The outwardly opening window or door assembly (1) comprises a sash (3) mounted in a frame (2). A locking device (7) comprises a housing (101) being mounted in a cavity of a sash member. A handle (102) is adapted to displace a locking element (8, 9) between a locked position and an unlocked position. The handle (102) protrudes through an actuation opening (114) in a face (136) of the sash member being substantially at right angles to the window pane (4) or door leaf. The handle (102) is provided with an at least partially circular engagement portion (133) extending through the actuation opening (144) in the face of the sash member, and the at least partially circular engagement portion (133) is provided with a wedge shaped recess (110) that is releasably engaged with a correspondingly shaped wedge shaped element (III) pivotably arranged in the housing (101).

Abstract: A rear sliding window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle includes upper and lower track members and at least one fixed glass window panel. The track members are disposed at a surface of the fixed glass window panels and no portion of the track members is in contact with the opposite surface of the fixed glass window panels. A movable glass window panel is slidably disposed at the track members and movable at least partially along the track members relative to the fixed glass window panel or panels. The movable glass window panel is movable between opened and closed positions. A perimeter edge of the movable glass window panel may be received by a glide member, and the glide member may be disposed in the upper or lower track member to facilitate sliding of the movable glass window panel at least partially along the upper or lower track member.

Abstract: An exemplary method of processing a polycrystalline diamond element is disclosed. According to the method, a protective layer may be formed over only a selected portion of a polycrystalline diamond element. The polycrystalline diamond element may include a polycrystalline diamond table. At least a portion of the polycrystalline diamond element may be exposed to a leaching solution such that the leaching solution contacts an exposed surface region of the polycrystalline diamond table and at least a portion of the protective layer. The protective layer may be substantially impermeable to the leaching solution. An exemplary method of manufacturing a polycrystalline diamond element is also disclosed.