Abstract: A nebulizer assembly for use in a fabrics revitalizing system having a fabric treatment chamber comprises a fluid reservoir configured to contain a fluid; an air flow channel in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir; a mist generator configured to generate a mist in the fluid reservoir; and a fan in fluid communication with the air flow channel to draw air through the air flow channel and transport the mist to the interior of the fabric treatment chamber. The nebulizer assembly can include a transitional assembly that communicates the nebulizer assembly with the fabric treatment chamber.

Abstract: An insert for a pointe shoe or other shoe provides a simple, efficient way to secure ribbons, elastic, and loops to the shoe.

Abstract: A sole construction for supporting at least a portion of a human foot and for providing energy storage and return is provided. The sole construction includes a generally horizontal layer of stretchable material, at least one chamber positioned adjacent a first side of the layer, and at least one actuator positioned adjacent a second side of the layer vertically aligned with a corresponding chamber. Each actuator has a footprint size smaller than that of the corresponding chamber, and is sized and arranged to provide individual support to the bones of the human foot. The support structure when compressed causes the actuator to push against the layer and move the layer at least partially into the corresponding chamber. In one embodiment, the horizontal layer of stretchable material is at least partially enclosed by a wall the prevents horizontal displacement of the layer during compression.

Abstract: A device for excavating and transporting material, especially earth, the device comprising an excavation appliance that can be rotated about a rotational axis (y) in a rotational direction (u), and a longitudinal conveyor for transporting the excavated material. The excavation appliance comprises an impeller having a conically extending guide surface arranged around the rotational axis (y) in a rotationally symmetrical manner, and guide vanes which radially protrude from the conical guide surface and form an acute angle in relation to the rotational axis (y).

Abstract: A method wherein an indicia is selected from one of diverse indicia sources. A holder may be selected from a holder source, and a display is selected from a display source. The indicia is placed in the display or the indicia and holder unit are placed in the display such that the desired information is displayed. The flap portions of the display are manipulated to expose or conceal releasable. reusable adhesive portions. An easel insert or easel attachment allows for a standing position on a counter top or table.

Abstract: A medication dosage reminder and confirmation sleeve apparatus and associated method for use in connection with a medicine container, comprising: a sleeve material, comprising a closed surface with a circumference substantially equal to a circumference of the medicine container with which the apparatus is to be used, wherein the sleeve material will conform to a shape of, and fit snugly upon, the medicine container, when placed over at least part of the medicine container; and affixed to the sleeve material, at least one tearable dosage reminder and confirmation sheet comprising a plurality of dosage tabs; wherein: when one of the dosage tabs is removed from the dosage reminder and confirmation sheet, a residue remains attached to the dosage reminder and confirmation sheet to indicate that the dose associated with the removed tab has been consumed; and the sleeve material in combination with the at least one tearable dosage reminder and confirmation sheet can, at will, be attached to, removed from, and adjust

Abstract: The kinetic sculptural system of interconnected modules has multiple configurable positions (e.g., square or sphere). One system has a central coupler and eight struts each with a pivot element at its distal end. Modules move on the struts radially and rotate 180 degrees in a slotted radial passageway. The slot and radial channel are coextensive. To configure the system, modules are moved outboard, then rotated 180 degrees, the moved inboard as a toy or puzzle or object of art. The kinetic sculptural system can be configured with n struts wherein n is greater than 1 and the central coupler rests upon an imaginary ground plane (such as a hemispheric central coupler rising above a ground plane). Each movable module has a complementary first and second inboard shape and the module shapes complement each other to form a compressed first and second shape.

Abstract: A simulator for providing a user with a simulated burning log display providing moving patterns of light which simulate a flickering flame image. The flame image is generated by rotating a shaft with a helically wound light array such that the lights reflect off a mirror with flame shaped reflecting areas onto a partially transparent screen to give the impression to a viewer of flickering flames appearing on a front side of the screen and behind a non-burning pile of logs. The logs have flame colored light transmissive regions which are illuminated by an array of ember LED's under the control of circuitry which generates apparently randomly varying illumination levels, to thereby create a glowing ember effect.

Abstract: A display system includes a frame and a plurality of rotatable columns carried by the frame. Each of the plurality of rotatable columns may include a column connection member, at least one display engagement member carried by the column connection member, and a plurality of display members carried by the at least one display engagement member. The display system may also include a respective plurality of display guide members carried by the frame to engage each of the plurality of rotatable columns. Each of the respective plurality of display guide members may include an arcuate shaped guide. Each display guide member may have four imaginary quadrants and a portion of the arcuate shaped guide extends through each of the four imaginary quadrants. Each portion of the arcuate shaped guide extending through each of the imaginary quadrant preferably has a different shape.

Abstract: An ambidextrous magazine release for a firearm is provided for a firearm having a magazine well configured to operatively receive a magazine having a side-locking recess received within the well. The ambidextrous magazine release comprises a linkage moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position having a lock pin configured to be received in a side-locking recess of a magazine operatively received in the magazine well with the linkage in the engaged position and to clear the side-locking recess with the linkage in the disengaged position. An actuator is provided on the firearm comprising a bar having a opposing push surfaces extending between a right and left side of the firearm. An interface is provided between the linkage and actuator with the interface being configured so that as either of the opposing push surfaces of the bar is pushed by a user, the linkage is moved between the engaged and the disengaged position.

Abstract: A safeguard system ensures device operation in conformance with governing laws for devices such as directed energy weapons or surveillance systems, whose misuse may discomfort, harm or otherwise violate the legal rights of a person. A legal protocol is defined by rules embodying the laws that govern the use of the device and requires as inputs an authorization to use the device and input condition(s) relating to at least one of a use of the device, an attribute of a human target of the device and an operational environment of the device and human target. The safeguard system applies the rules to the authorization and input condition(s) to generate a control signal that ensures the device is used in conformance with the legal protocol. A documentation system records the authorization, input condition(s) applied rules, and control signal.

Abstract: A new firearm action is described. The action may be adapted to single-shot handguns and rifles, lever-action firearms, single-action revolvers or to other types of firearms. The new firearm action provides a safety device in a firearm that does not affect the trigger pull when firing the firearm and maintains a durable and reliable action. The trigger cannot be pulled when it is in the safe position, and when the action is in the safe position, the hammer cannot contact the firing pin. The action does not allow the barrel of the firearm to be opened when the hammer is in the cocked position. It also keeps the barrel from being closed if the hammer is cocked when the barrel is in the open position. The hammer cannot contact the firing pin if the top slide is in the retracted position.

Abstract: A chamber reinforcement for composite firearm barrel and method for forming the same. In one embodiment, the barrel includes an inner tube defining a bore that provides a bullet path and an outer sleeve preferably made of a material lighter in weight than the tube. In some embodiments, the inner tube is made of a material that preferably has a greater density and strength than the outer sleeve. The reinforcement in one embodiment may be in the form of an end cap disposed on a portion of the sleeve. The reinforcement preferably is made of a material comparable to the inner tube in density and strength to reinforce the area where a chamber is formed for receiving a cartridge. In the preferred fabrication, the reinforcement, tube, and sleeve are forged together to provide a strong and unitary structure for withstanding combustion pressures and forces associated with discharging the firearm.

Abstract: An aiming system having a two-tone colored rear sight lens as the primary aiming component. The lens is held in an L-shaped lens frame which also incorporated conventional “iron sights.” The two-tone colored lens has an outside perimeter portion of one color and a central portion of another color. The lens frame can fold or rotate forward from an upright locked position to a locked-down position using a manually activated one-handed operation.

Abstract: A strike indicator for a fishing device is provided. The signaling mechanism of the strike indicator is activated by a trigger. Either the trigger or the signaling mechanism is attached to a rotating component of the fishing device. An optional location beacon or fish attractor light may be incorporated into the signaling mechanism.

Abstract: A trap having a housing, and a snare pivotally joined with the housing. The trap has an opening that provides a passageway for a rodent to enter the housing. The snare may pivot between a first position and a second position. In the first position, a rodent may enter the housing and position itself at least partially in the snare. A trigger is located inside the housing, so that when the trigger is triggered by a rodent, the snare pivots to its second position, snaring at least a portion of the rodent in the snare, and trapping against the housing.

Abstract: Methods determine how effective a product that dispenses an insect repellent or insecticide is in controlling flying insects such as mosquitoes, with no or reduced need for human test subjects. An insect trap or other automated monitoring device is positioned in a test environment and operated in a manner so as to mimic some human attribute (e.g. by dispensing carbon dioxide). Trap/monitoring results in the presence and absence of the operating product are obtained in order to judge relative effectiveness of the active. Further, the real time evaluation of insect populations permits evaluation of time needed to achieve base effectiveness and length of time that effectiveness can be sustained.

Abstract: A water based biomass producing system that is disposed in a body of water, for example a freshwater lake or a sea, and is capable of producing a biomass that can be converted into a biofuel. The system relies on a pool of freshwater that is suspended in the body of water to grow the biomass. The pool is contained within a flexible polymeric membrane that is impermeable to the water of the body of water. The membrane is suspended in the body of water by a float. A filtration system is connected to the float that has an inlet that is for introduction of water from the body of water and an outlet that is for discharging freshwater into the pool. A biomass extractor is provided to harvest the biomass from the freshwater pool. The harvested biomass can then be converted into a biofuel.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for regulating the heat and the CO2 concentration of the air in an enclosed space within which plants and/or crops are grown, in which method an oxygen-containing gas and a hydrocarbon-containing gas are alternately passed over a bed of particles that are capable of binding oxygen, wherein the oxygen-containing gas is passed over the bed of particles under conditions whereby the particles are oxidised and heat is released, after which at least part of the heat is provided to the enclosed space, and wherein the hydrocarbon-containing gas is passed over a bed of the oxidised particles so obtained under conditions whereby the oxidised particles are chemically reduced and water and CO2 are formed, after which at least part of the CO2 so obtained is provided to the enclosed space.

Abstract: A horticultural cut flower container assembly comprising a plastic bag with a folded cross shaped base member of flexible foam material secured to the bag, the cross shaped foam material being adapted to receive the stem ends of a bunch of cut flowers and a drawstring mounted to the bag encircling the bag and stem ends of a bunch of cut flowers to hold the stem ends in said bag in a secured position.

Abstract: A gel-coated seed is provided, which has sufficient strength for handling just after the production thereof and after the recovery following the storage under drying, and has a good property in terms of standing-up of seedling. The gel-coated seed includes: a seed of a plant; a coating gel-layer, which coats the seed, consisting of alginic acid-based aqueous gel gelled in the presence of a multivalent metal ion; and grains consisting of water-containing hydrophilic polymer, which is resistant to the multivalent metal ion, distributed in the coating gel-layer.

Abstract: A panel assembly includes a plurality of open faced cells fluidly interconnected for retaining a growing medium and live vegetation in a vertical orientation of the panel assembly. The fluid interconnection of the cells provides for gravitationally induced water transfer from the growing medium of a first cell to the growing medium of a second cell, as well as root growth between the cells.

Abstract: A container includes a top having downwardly extending walls adapted to releasably attach to upwardly extending walls of a bottom of a planter, the top of the container further adapted to releasably attach to the bottom of the planter so that when the downwardly extending walls of the container are attached to the upwardly extending walls of the planter the container functions as a terrarium enclosure and when the top of the container is attached to the bottom of the planter the container functions as a pedestal to support the planter.

Abstract: A water amusement system may include a composite tree and an elevated structure. A composite tree may include a base having an artificial trunk portion. The base may be coupled to a surface. Living plants may be coupled to the base. Portions of the living plants may form branches of the composite tree. In some embodiments, the living plants are living trees. The water amusement system may include a water amusement ride coupled to the base. The water amusement ride may include an access point configured to allow participants to access the water amusement ride from the structure. The access point may be positioned adjacent to the base.

Abstract: A shutter assembly includes a stile having a solid core and a plastic outer cover. Holes are formed in the plastic outer cover and aligned with an axial groove formed in the solid core to receive a slotted louver pin. The louver pin includes a pair of arms that provide a sufficient compression fit in the axial groove of the stile while enabling each louver to rotate freely. Separate stile end caps are formed to be flush with the edges of the ends of the plastic cover. Each louver includes louver edges and opposite end caps which are substantially flush with the louver edges. A method of manufacturing a shutter assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A fire-resistant door jamb system may incorporate wood components, fire-resistant material, intumescent material and may include a bracket set including an L-shaped fixed bracket for installing a door jamb assembly in a wall.

Abstract: An aluminum-foam structural housing unit that is storm-proof, self-contained, and built to withstand natural disaster conditions resulting from hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and fire, and then assist its inhabitants immediately thereafter when interruptions in public utility system service can be experienced. The combined use of aluminum alloy and foam as its building materials gives the unit its great strength, as well as the versatility needed to face natural disaster conditions while providing absolute resistance to heavy winds, flooding, earthquake and fire. Since the unit is buoyant, during flooding conditions it lifts from the ground and is guided by vertical poles to maintain a horizontal orientation. The unit also automatically disconnects from public utility systems as lifting occurs, and it then provides its inhabitants with self-contained sources of water, electrical energy, and sewage management. Thus, the unit is designed to adjust to the flow of nature, instead of working against it.

Abstract: A roof structure and a method of installing a snow guard on the base of a roof is provided, wherein the roof structure includes a plurality of synthetic shingles of thermoplastic materials, and where a snow guard is provided having an outwardly projecting snow-engaging platform and an oppositely provided hook at an upper end, wherein the hook is adapted to engage over and upper edge of a butt portion of one or more shingles in an underlying course of shingles, and wherein a tab portion of a shingle in a next-overlying course of shingles is disposed over the upper end of the snow guard, substantially covering its base, and wherein the snow-engaging platform is adapted to receive snow and ice that may slide down the roof, to intercept the same or break the snow or ice up into small harmless particles.

Abstract: A hip, ridge or rake shingle comprised of a plurality of panels sandwiched on each panel portion side of a layer of shingle material, such that each panel portion can be folded along a fold line, and wherein tabs are provided for each panel portion, adapted to be bent backwardly upon themselves, sandwiching thickening panels therebetween. The shingles can be laid up on a hip, ridge or rake of a roof, to yield desirable thickened features.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an article to a roof includes a base plate, threaded stud, lag bolts, spacer, and flashing. The base plate includes bolt holes to accommodate the lag bolts to secure the base plate to the roof. The threaded stud is secured to and extends vertically from the base plate. The spacer is inserted over the stud so that the stud passes through an aperture in the spacer, and is secured by a nut. The spacer acts as a lift for mounting an article up off the roof, thereby permitting drainage. The spacer includes a recess to accommodate the head of a lag bolt. The wrap-around flashing is captured between the base plate and spacer, creating a water free environment underneath the assembled unit. The flashing slides up underneath the roofing shingles to prevent water from penetrating the structure, and includes a lip to accommodate the base plate, and a detent to accommodate the bolt heads beneath it.

Abstract: A container has a variable volume, wherein a basic container has a bottom panel and a roof panel. One or more hinged side panels are rotateable about a horizontal axis, and one or more expansion elements are telescopeable out of the basic container and have a bottom panel, a side open toward a front the basic container and a front panel opposite the open side. Each expansion element is open toward the top and, in a telescoped state, the roof panel is formed by a raised side panel of the basic container. One or more hoisting devices is associated with each expansion element and with which the expansion element is lowerable.

Abstract: Room arrangements include at least two superposed prefabricated load-bearing room units. The room units have a ceiling, a floor and at least two walls that are made at least mainly of cellular board. Ships, buildings and methods for constructing a room arrangement are also provided, especially the construction of multi-storey rooms, for example, cabin compartments in ships or block of flats without middle decks or intermediate floors.

Abstract: An A-frame assembly for constructing a building comprises only five major components that are formed from square, galvanized steel hollow tubing. These components include corner braces, side braces, a top brace, beams, and straight tubing. The straight tubing interconnects the other components to form a triangular frame assembly. The corner braces are secured with concrete footings or a complete foundation. A number of the frame assemblies are arrayed to form the basis of a structure. The frame assemblies are spaced apart from each other, joined with additional square tubing, and include an attic space and service spaces between the corner braces. A roofing structure is secured to the joined frame assemblies to complete the structural phase of the assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved apparatus and method for forming a retractable tower or column. The present invention includes pointed hooks wherein the hooks are attached to each section of a section chain, one in a horizontal direction and one in an off-set manner. The section chains are placed on a take up mechanism in an operable position and then raised utilizing a motor. As the section chains are raised, they are guided by a guide tower, rollers, shims, and gear racks into a position whereby hooks from adjacent sections of the section chains form coupled engagements. The coupled engagement of the hooks of the sections of each adjacent section chains thereby form the column.

Abstract: A method and device for supporting a structure above a fixed surface. The device can include a support pedestal whose height is adjustable through a range of heights without a substantial gap in the obtainable heights.

Abstract: Terraced structured land joint and assembly system is disclosed, and includes a plurality of ball joints, each providing monolithic anchors for a plurality of compression and tension members. Tension members reside within compression members. Compression/tension members are linked between ball joints by couplers and turnbuckles, defining structured land including planar space frames, horizontal truss members, and vertical truss members. Structural forces are transferred through the ball joints into horizontal and vertical truss members, with resultant loads transferred to the ground.

Abstract: A fire-rated light kit for a fire-resistant partition includes a track for holding a window pane in an aperture of the partition. The track includes a channel for capturing an edge of the window pane, and a flange. A first intumescent material is positioned under the track to seal between the track and the partition. A second intumescent layer is positioned on top of the track. A flammable molding material can be positioned over the flange of the track. In the event of heat or flame, the second intumescent layer expands and pushes the flammable trim away from the glass and/or partition.

Abstract: An improved panel is disclosed. The panel is of the type for use with a bracket and which, in use: forms a wall surface as part of an assembly for partitioning or dividing a space; defines a horizontal groove; and is adapted to releasably, securely, receive, via the horizontal groove, said bracket. The improvement comprises a metal sheet and a metal bolster. The metal sheet has a front and a rear face, the front face defining said wall surface in use and said sheet defining a horizontal slot in use. The metal bolster is secured to the rear face of said metal sheet to define, in combination with the metal sheet, said horizontal groove.

Abstract: A column support footing, and a method for utilizing the same, allows structural columns to be installed after a cement floor is poured rather than pouring the floor after the columns are set. The column support footing comprises an apparatus which is utilized for setting the column after the concrete floor has been poured. The apparatus comprises a column support sleeve which has an upwardly facing open end for receiving the bottom end of the column. Extending downwardly from the apparatus is an anchor member, which is set within a concrete footing member. The concrete floor may be poured after the first concrete footing member has set around a portion of the anchor member. The concrete floor provides lateral support to the column support sleeve. The column may then be placed and secured within the column support sleeve after the concrete floor has been installed for the structure.

Abstract: A structural panel and method of making the same are disclosed wherein the structural panel has at least one frame member with receptor pockets extending therein. Ribs protruding from a lath are resiliently engaged within the receptor pockets thereby securing the lath against the frame member. A structural coating is secured to the lath thereby providing a labor-efficient, low-cost structural panel available for use for a number of different construction projects.

Abstract: A modular flooring system that includes a plurality of interlocking floor panels arrangeable into a variety of configurations. In one embodiment, each interlocking floor panel includes tongues and grooves that allow adjacent ones of the panels to connect with one another by the mating of tongues and grooves. A locking mechanism can be provided to one or more of the floor panels for locking the connected panels together. In other embodiments, the modular flooring system includes either integrally formed conduit chases or separately formed conduit chases, or a combination of both.

Abstract: A method for insulating and ventilating a space between rafters for supporting a roof includes, an elongated insulation mat having an integral baffle, at least one channel on a roof facing side of the baffle for passage of ventilating air, and at least one vapor permeable membrane covering at least a portion of the insulation mat facing the channel, wherein each vapor permeable membrane transmits water vapor emanating from the insulation mat.

Abstract: A method of affixing a frame around a wall penetration such as a window box before siding panels are affixed to the wall. The frame has front and back faces and inner and outer edges, a primary channel extending along the outer edge, and a flange extending along the outer edge, The steps include: placing the window frame around the window box; affixing the flange to the wall; placing a first panel against the wall and inserting a vertical edge of the first panel into a primary channel of the frame; affixing the first panel to the wall; inserting a vertical edge of a second panel into the primary channel and engaging a longitudinal edge of the second panel with a longitudinal edge of the first panel; affixing the second panel to the wall; and repeating steps until the all sides of the frame engage siding panels.

Abstract: A beam-like structural component (1) made up of individual parts, comprising a flange (2) and two webs (3, 4) is characterized in that a flange (2) is provided with one web (3, 4) each on its two longitudinal sides, wherein each web is attached to a longitudinal sidewall of the flange (2) preferably by means of an adhesive material, and that the end regions (7) of the webs (3, 4), which end regions are facing away from the flange (2), are planarly interconnected with the surfaces (8, 9) facing each other preferably by means of an adhesive material, wherein the webs (3, 4), in their cross-sections, have in each case the shape of a “stretched S”.

Abstract: In a cigarette packer, groups of single cigarettes are first assembled by a formation unit and placed in trays carried by a conveyor, then directed in succession along a set feed path, advancing sideways-on, toward a wrapping unit by which each one is enveloped in a transparent or at least partly transparent wrapper; during the transfer from the formation unit to the wrapping unit, the trays are directed past a print unit stationed along the feed path, by which at least one graphic element such as lettering or a logo is impressed on at least one cigarette making up each group.

Abstract: An apparatus for winding an armed suture is provided. The apparatus includes a base member, a needle holder disposed in a region of the base member, and at least one needle having a quantity of a suture attached thereto. The apparatus further includes a retainer package disposed atop the base member, a plurality of rods engagable with and corresponding to the throughholes of the retainer package, and a holder having open and closed states. The plurality of rods are disposed in at least one array and the retainer package includes a first member having a plurality of throughholes. The holder is movable relative to the base member between a plurality of positions. The holder includes a first arm and a second arm. The first and second arms are in a spaced apart relation in the open state and at least a portion of the first arm are in substantial contact with at least a portion of the second arm in the closed state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a transportable container for bulk goods. A bag is placed through a former opening of a slip frame former which surrounds a portion of the bag. The bag receives the bulk goods from a feed source. A stretch wrap is disposed radially about a bottom support and a portion of the slip frame former to initially form the transportable container. At least one of the slip frame former and the bottom support moves relative to other in response to the fill level of the bulk goods in the bag. During filling, the slip frame former is maintained at a position surrounding the fill level of the bulk goods in the bag. As the fill level increases in the bag, previously disposed portions of stretch wrap are disengaged from the slip frame former to squeeze the filled portions of the bag and lock together the bulk goods as additional portions of stretch wrap are disposed around the slip frame former.

Abstract: An instrument for impermanent sealed perforation of thin-walled, hermetically sealed packaging. The instrument includes a longitudinally tapered needle and a septum with a hole. The underside of the septum is coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive. The hole through the septum is configured and arranged to permit unrestricted passage of the distal longitudinal end portion of the needle through the hole, while sealingly engaging the longitudinal midsection of the needle. The septum is incapable of sealing the hole through the septum after withdrawal of the needle from the hole.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the speed of a combine harvester (10) includes one or more sensors (48) each generating one or more signals that correspond during use of the combine harvester to variables of a harvesting process. The apparatus further includes a processor and one or more control devices operatively connected in a feedback arrangement including two loops. In a first loop, a first signal (28) corresponding to the ground speed of the combine harvester (10) is fed back as an input to a first control device (42) that is capable of adjusting the ground speed relative to a set value. In a second loop, the first signal (28) is fed together with a second signal (34) indicative of the flow rate of crop through the combine harvester to a second control device (32) that generates as a third signal (31) the set value, the third signal being input to the first control device (42).

Abstract: A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers that deliver crop material to the center draper. The harvesting header is operable to flex and thereby follow an uneven terrain.