Abstract: A material supply apparatus for supplying printing materials to a printing system is provided. The apparatus includes a container to store printing material and a source of electromagnetic radiation to cure remnant printing material within the container. The printing system may be a three-dimensional printing system for producing three-dimensional objects.

Abstract: This invention relates to means for footwear care and also can be used for cleansing of footwear. The method of antifungal and antibacterial drying of footwear includes simultaneous processes of heating and ultraviolet treatment, wherein optimum combination of thermal and ultraviolet treatments can be chosen. The apparatus for antifungal and antibacterial electro-drying of footwear includes heating elements (4), ultraviolet lamps (5), and two bodies (1,2). The heating element and ultraviolet lamps are disposed inside each of the bodies. Present invention provides reliable preventive care of footwear by means of coordinated simultaneous processes of heating and ultraviolet treatment.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor substrate having a surface wetted with a chemical solution is introduced into a chamber, and a supercritical fluid is supplied into the chamber. The temperature in the chamber is adjusted to the critical temperature of the chemical solution or higher, so that the chemical solution is put into a supercritical state. The pressure in the chamber is then lowered, and the chemical solution in the critical state is turned into gaseous matter. The gaseous matter is then discharged from the chamber.

Abstract: A control method of a dryer is disclosed. A control method of a dryer including a heat pump having a inverter compressor includes determining a driving condition of the dryer; and adjusting at least one of an electric power supplied to the inverter compressor and a driving velocity of the compressor based on the driving condition.

Abstract: A substrate drying apparatus includes a drying gas nozzle configured so that, assuming that a surface WA of the substrate W is a projection plane, regarding the drying gas flow Gf in the nozzle moving direction Dr, a collision position Gfw with the substrate W is located downstream of a projected discharge position Gfv?, the projected discharge position Gfv? being a discharge position from the drying gas nozzle projected on the projection plane. In a three-dimensional space, the drying gas flow Gf is inclined, such that an angle ? formed by an axis Ga of the drying gas flow Gf and a vertical line Wp of the substrate W is in a range from a half contact angle ?/2 to an angle determined by deducting the half contact angle ?/2 from 90°, the half contact angle ?/2 being a half of the contact angle ?.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a dryer and a drying method of the same. The dryer includes a condensing unit to change water vapor evaporated from a drying object into condensate water by cooling, a condensate water storage container in which the condensate water is stored, a water level sensing device to detect a level of the stored condensate water, and a microcomputer to calculate a change rate of condensation or of the condensate water level based on the detected water level and to determine a value of dryness of the drying object. The dryer effectively performs a drying operation based on the accurately detected value of dryness of the drying object.

Abstract: An article of footwear including an inner sole assembly and an upper, the article of footwear extending lengthwise from a rear end to a front end, widthwise from a lateral side and a medial side, and heightwise from the outer sole assembly to a top portion. The article of footwear includes a first footwear element which includes an inner sole assembly, a lateral quarter, and a medial quarter. The inner sole assembly, the lateral quarter, and the medial quarter of the first footwear element form a unitary element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a functional shoe, comprising a foot arch support, wherein said foot arch support includes a support body accommodated and fixed in a shoe body, a slider tightened to the support body by a screw, and a contact member which is coupled to the top of the slider and projects toward the inside of the shoe to contact the arch of the foot. The slider moves in the upward and downward directions by means of the rotation of the contact member.

Abstract: A shoe sole structure includes an outsole having a plurality of cushioning members formed with the bottom surface of the outsole that can extend at least partially between the lateral edge and the medial edge of the shoe and also around a heel end of the shoe. One or more of the cushioning members can differ in size, location, orientation, length and/or material from one or more of the remaining cushioning members.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a ski boot accessory. The ski boot accessory may include a base member and a bar member attachable to the base member. The base member may be mounted to a ski boot. Further, the bar member may be shaped and oriented such that the bar member deflects slalom gates away from a skier's legs and/or body. Furthermore, the ski boot accessory may be made of plastic material, an alloy, and the like.

Abstract: An article of footwear that includes an upper that secures the article of footwear to a wearer. The footwear also includes a sole assembly that is operably coupled to the upper. The sole assembly includes an outsole having a plurality of cleats and a groove. The groove includes a first internal surface and a second internal surface. The first and second internal surfaces move away from each other as the sole assembly flexes in a first direction, and the first and second internal surfaces abut each other to limit movement of the sole assembly in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: An orthopedic shoe appliance includes an insole, midsole or outersole of footwear; and one or more orthopedic devices disposed on the insole, midsole or outersole at one or more locations selected from the group consisting of a location under a big toe, a location under a medial longitudinal arch, a location under a lateral longitudinal arch, a location under a transverse metatarsal arch, and a location under and/or around a heel. Small wings may be attached to a part of the insole that will wrap around the medial and lateral aspects of the foot. A slit and hinge as well as changes in the flexibility of the materials allow the big toe joint to move independently of the other toes. Other pads may be applied to the top of the insole to allow for other corrections.

Abstract: A machine bucket may include a wrapper. The wrapper may form a portion of a receptacle for holding material. The wrapper may include a curved upper portion defining an arc. The curved upper portion may have a central angle value (?U) of between approximately 129.5° and 130.5°. The wrapper may also include a curved lower portion defining an arc. The curved lower portion may have a central angle value (?L) of between approximately 29.5° and 30.5°.

Abstract: An iron soleplate cover and storage unit is characterized in that it has a nose grip mounted on the soleplate, a nose part which has two folding details in its front part, a tail part which has two rail rods in its back part and one folding detail, nose clips, a left rail cover to cover a left rail recess on the nose part, left rail cover to cover the right rail recess on the nose part, and hanger unit, and it enables safe and compact storage after use and is suitable for irons.

Abstract: The biodegradable badge has a paper name tag placed within a translucent envelope carried by a lanyard secured to the envelope by at least one clamp. The paper name tag degrades readily. The translucent envelope shows the name tag but upon disposing of the envelope, it degrades in the waste stream and at a landfill. The envelope has a material that degrades rapidly by solar, thermal, and chemical action with minimal release of toxic and volatile organic compounds. The lanyard also degrades readily in the waste stream with material such as textile blends or that of the envelope. The clamp joins the lanyard to the envelope. Designed for single use, the clamp strongly grips the lanyard and then the envelope, and then the clamp degrades when placed in the waste stream. The entire biodegradable badge poses no long-term pollution of the environment as it uses formulations, such as polyethylene terephthalate (g) and poly lactic acid, along with natural fibers such as cotton and wool.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a brightening rectangular hollow frame for license plat. The brightening rectangular hollow frame for license plat at least comprises a rectangular hollow frame, and a plurality of light-emitting elements. The mentioned rectangular hollow frame and light-emitting elements can be used to adorn a license plate, and the containing of the license plate will not be covered by the brightening rectangular hollow frame for license plate according to this specification at all.

Abstract: A nameplate includes a fixing bracket and a plate. The fixing bracket includes a main body, a latching portion, and a resilient portion. The main body defines a mounting hole. The latching portion is formed on the main body and positioned adjacent to a periphery of the mounting hole. The resilient resisting portion protrudes radially from the main body and is partially received in the mounting hole of the main body. The plate is detachably and adjustably assembled to the fixing bracket and resists the resilient resisting portion of the fixing bracket. The plate has a latching member formed thereon. The latching member passes through the mounting hole and latches with the corresponding latching portion of the fixing bracket.

Abstract: Disclosed is a unitary sheet-like merchandise labeling article that has a labeling tag flatly conjoined along a unifying flat bond zone with a flexible elastic layer that extends away from the tag and includes an elastic fastening loop. The loop sides that define the loop are wider than the thickness of the elastic layer. Further, the flexible elastic layer that extends away from the tag has a thickness greater than the thickness of the tag and has a dispersion zone adjacent the unifying flat bond zone. The dispersion zone allows dissipation of elastic loop in-line stretching forces sufficiently to reduce transmission of such forces into the bond zone.

Abstract: A display apparatus including: a display unit disposed on a substrate; an encapsulation unit facing the display unit, the encapsulation unit including: a metal layer; a complex member; and a reinforcement member formed on an upper surface of the complex member; and a sealing unit disposed between the substrate and the encapsulation unit and apart from the display unit to bond the substrate and the encapsulation unit to the sealing unit.

Abstract: A method and system for an observation system for use in weapon aiming is disclosed. An observation scope displays azimuth and elevation adjustments. Meteorological information is gathered by one or more weather stations, which use weather sensors. A range finder determines a distance between the observation scope and a target. A ballistics processor determines a ballistic solution based on the distance and the meteorological information. The ballistic solution is provided to the observation scope.

Abstract: A cocking/de-cocking mechanism for semi-automatic striker-fired pistols having a multi-function cocking lever for controlling, by rotational movement, the cocking or arming of the tiring pin, while effecting de-cocking by the lateral displacement of the cocking lever on its support pin.

Abstract: A wraparound gun grip comprises a substantially flat continuous flexible sheet, the substantially flat continuous flexible sheet having a first side and a second side, the first side for adhering to a grip of a gun and the second side for providing improved gripping to a user of the gun, the substantially flat continuous flexible sheet cut to fit the gun's model. The wraparound gun grip is capable of being placed onto the gun by wrapping the wraparound gun grip around the factory grip of the gun. The wraparound gun grip includes one or more finger strips which can either be cut to size or tucked in. The second side can achieve increased friction by including abrading particles thereon (e.g., using sandpaper or grip tape). Alternatively, the grip side can be made from an elastomer, such as a synthetic rubber, or other material with the property of viscoelasticity.

Abstract: A multi-caliber modular center fire line of conversion kits adaptable to pistols such as the Colt Government Model Pistol or new semi-automatic handguns. Said kits consist of complete slide assemblies using interchangeable components adapted to different sizes of ammunition. All barrels in the kits have external dimensions identical to those of the largest caliber one in order to have the primer of a loaded cartridge, whatever its caliber, automatically centered in front of the firing pin hole on the breech inside a locked pistol. When installed on semi-automatic pistol frames, kits function exactly like the original handgun.

Abstract: A choke to be used with a muzzle of a gun may include a housing which may include an inner surface and an outer surface, and the housing may include a substantially central bore. The inner surface may inwardly taper at the distal end of the choke, and the inner surface may include a first depression having a first dimension. The inner surface may include a second depression having a second dimension, and the inner surface may include a third depression having a third dimension. The inner surface may include a fourth depression having a fourth dimension, and the first dimension may be substantially equal to the third dimension. The second dimension may be substantially equal to the fourth dimension.

Abstract: This invention consists of an extended sight radius on a gun that fires a single projectile at a time. The sights may be mounted on extensions to get the required sight radius length. The gun has a short barrel to minimize the bullet residence time in the barrel during firing, which minimizes bullet launch trajectory errors due to gun movement during firing.

Abstract: A laser alignment assembly has two or more lasers aligned relative to one or more reflective surfaces to generate coaligned and collimated light beams. The assembly may further make the light beams collinear. The orientation of the reflective surface may be controlled by an electrically controllable actuator. The laser alignment assembly may be disposed in a weapon aiming system having visible and infrared lasers and may be coupled to a weapon to aid in aiming of the weapon.

Abstract: Devices and methods for forming a new and improved fishing hook is provided. Various materials, including fluorocarbons and polycarbonates, and combinations thereof are provided to produce a translucent or transparent device that maintains desirable material properties such as weight, tensile strength, ductility, and flexibility.

Abstract: A fishing line guide system for use on a fishing rod comprising at least two fishing line guides or concentrically aligned guide rings to reduce the helix formed in the fishing line during casting including a primary or proximal guide ring and a secondary or distal guide ring disposed in planes substantially parallel to each other and spaced within a predetermined range or distance relative to each other.

Abstract: A storage device that effectively organizes and protects dropper-rig, fly-fishing assemblies and the leaders that connect them. The device has an openable cap that creates a watertight interior through which a guide extends from the closed end of the device toward the cap. In operation, a user opens the cap of the device and slides an extension along the guide outward from the center of the outer case. With the extension fully exposed, a user attaches previously created dropper-rig assemblies. To attach an assembly, a user takes one of the two flies comprising a dropper-rig assembly and hooks it anywhere on a flexible sleeve that surrounds the extension. He then wraps the leader line, (the line that connects the two flies) around the sleeve until the second fly is in a position to be hooked to the sleeve. A user then returns the extension to within the outer case and seals the device by locking down the cap.

Abstract: A baitable animal kill trap having a housing with an opening to allow, from below, the self insertion of the head of a (target species) animal, a kill bar disposed to articulate reproducibly between a set condition and kill position(s), the kill bar (preferably a bar or rod) having an extension externally of the housing accessible to allow the setting of the trap, the unsetting of the trap or the (manual or automatic) reset of the trap, at least one biasing member acting directly or indirectly on the kill bar, and a trigger arm able to be dislodged in the pursuit of a bait by a said animal thereby to first move the kill bar from the set condition and then allow the biasing member(s) to move the kill bar to the kill position(s).

Abstract: A raccoon foot-restraining trap has a bait trigger that is sized and shaped, for example in the form of a ring, to snag the foot of the raccoon as the foot is pushed into the trap in an effort to obtain bait. The bait cannot be touched by the raccoon without also activating the trap.

Abstract: The arthropod trap has a base with a plurality of sides that angle upwardly and inwardly toward a capture area in the center of the base. Multiple outwardly-projecting fins are disposed on or adjacent to the sides of the base. The fins also angle upwardly toward the capture area so that the fins guide arthropods into the capture area. The capture area includes a pitfall so that the arthropods topple through a pitfall opening and are retained in the pitfall. A trap cover fits over and at least partially conceals the capture area. In one embodiment, the trap cover provides a platform for the placement of light emitting diodes that emit light in a wavelength that appeals to the positive phototaxis instincts of the target arthropods.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a pesticide to an ant mount involving pushing the discharge end of a wand down into the mound to a level generally corresponding to a bottom of the mound, discharging pesticide, and filling the mound in a generally upward direction until the mound collapses on itself. The apparatus has a container, an aspirator having first and second inlets and an outlet, a flow regulator for regulating the flow of fluid from a source of pressurized fluid to the first inlet of the aspirator, a flexible fluid flow line connecting the container and the second inlet of the aspirator, and a wand connected to the outlet of the aspirator for discharging a mixture of pesticide and pressurized fluid from the wand.

Abstract: Compounds, compositions, kits, devices, and methods of attracting, arresting, aggregating, detecting, eradicating, controlling, or killing an insect, such as a bed bug, by utilizing insect attractant, aggregating, or arresting compounds and compositions is provided. A suitable device comprises a pair of plates separated by an internal spacing sized to permit entry into the detection device by one or more insects. Also disclosed is a method for readily detecting insects such as bed bugs in a multiple areas such as in multiple hotel rooms, areas where animals are housed, or the like.

Abstract: Generally, a structure for eradication of insects and method of treating materials infested with insects. Specifically, a support structure which engages a flexible enclosure to define an enclosed space in which heat can be controlled over a period of time to eradicate insects inside of the enclosed space.

Abstract: A process for producing fuel by cracking vegetable oil in a pure state or mixed with a residual hydrocarbon oil, which is obtained from a pyrolysis process, using a dolomite catalyst. The residual hydrocarbon is produced by the pyrolysis of plastic waste, such as of one or more of polyethylene, polystyrene or polypropylene. The mixture of vegetable oil and the residual hydrocarbon oil is first subjected to a semi-batch catalytic cracking reaction over a very low cost dolomite catalyst to obtain high quality oil for fuel, which comprises mainly light and heavy naphtha. Moreover, the catalytic cracking reaction is conducted at operating temperatures lower than 450° C.

Abstract: A process of solubilizing organic solids that includes reacting an organic solid with an oxidant in superheated water to form a solubilized organic solute. Preferably, the organic solid is selected from the group consisting of coal, lignite, kerogen, biomass, solid organic wastes, and mixtures thereof. The oxidant preferably is molecular oxygen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biofuel and to a process for production thereof, which biofuel contains at least one fraction of triglycerides, a fraction of monoglycerides, a fraction of diglycerides and a fraction of alkylesters of fatty acids. The biofuel may be obtained by partial transesterification of vegetable oil or vegetable fat and is distinguished in that the mass fraction of alkylesters of fatty acids in the biofuel is smaller than the mass fraction of triglycerides. The fuel is suitable in particular as additive for conventional fuels, may be produced at high yield and can also be used at relatively low temperatures below 10° C.

Abstract: Biofuel compositions and methods. Biofuel compositions comprised of glycerine, water and one or more alcohols can be prepared and utilized as an alternative or renewable fuel or mixed with other fuels and fuel products. The methods of preparation require simple mixing as the biofuel composition is a solution. The components can be mixed in any sequence. By varying the amount of water and/or alcohol mixed with the glycerine allows for preparation of biofuel compositions having consistent or uniform properties, such as pour point and/or flashpoint even using glycerine from different sources and having different specifications.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for producing glycerol related products. One process comprises introducing a biomass and an alkylation reagent to a substantially oxygen free environment, hydrolyzing at a temperature at or above 200° C. one or more lipid glycerides in the biomass, methylating one or more fatty acids in the biomass with methyl groups from the alkylation reagent, wherein the hydrolyzing and methylating occur contemporaneously and separating resulting biodiesel and methylated glycerol-related products from a residue of the biomass by condensation.

Abstract: A compound having formula (I) wherein G represents at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of C1-C12 alkyl and C1-C12 alkoxy.

Abstract: The present invention features a multi-step organic lawn care program that comprises four or more specified treatments that are applied at specific times throughout the year. Each step serves specific functions that assist in the maintenance and improvement of turf. Each treatment is intended to be applied at a prescribed time to ensure maximum benefits to the turf. The treatments are preferably applied in a liquid format are generally effective at detoxifying a surface that has been treated with chemical fertilizers. The treatments may be applied in conjunction with other products.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a plant-protecting device which is commonly known as a protective cold frame. While this description seems to indicate a frame-like device, the described device is intended to refer not only to the frame but also to a wind and thermal protective covering generally configured to hold heat therein to protect a plant therein from cold, wind, and the combination. In general, the disclosed device comprises a plurality of rod members that may be bendable, which are inserted into a coupler at the apex of the dome-shaped frame to provide a support structure for a cylindrical covering to be placed thereupon.

Abstract: A polyolefin sheet material carries layered segments of a polymer which contains a herbicide such as a 2,6-dinitroaniline. The sheet material can be porous to permit free passage of water. It may be either a perforated sheet or a woven or non-woven material. A desired material is a non-woven fabric of non-biodegradable polyolefin material, such as a geotextile, for example. In order to obtain a root growth-repelling property, the herbicide is blended with a polymer which is attached or bonded to or embedded in the geotextile, or other polyolefin carrier sheet material, in the form of spaced apart layered segments. Diffusion of the herbicide directly into the soil is prevented by a barrier material positioned on, coated on, or otherwise bonded to the layered segments, to encompass surfaces of the segments which are otherwise exposed on the sheet material.

Abstract: A system for growing crops on a surface of water may comprise a plurality of growth platforms floating on a body of water; cables for pulling the growth platforms; and rails for guiding the growth platforms as they are pulled in and out of the building. To facilitate planting and harvesting, the platforms may be moved into a building that overlies a portion of a body of water on which the platforms float.

Abstract: A method is provided for reducing levels of tobacco specific nitrosamines (TSNA) in tobacco during barn curing. The method includes contacting tobacco with chlorate, sulfur, ozone or combinations thereof in amounts effective for controlling or reducing bacterial an/or fungal populations on or in tobacco.

Abstract: The instant invention describes a portable and reusable gardening device and kit for providing growth of one or more plant varieties in a downward manner while simultaneously providing for plant growth in an upward direction. The device comprises a planter bed for holding one or more plants. The planter bed includes an outer wall defined by a front panel, a back panel, a right side panel, and a left side panel. The panels are constructed and arranged to partially enclose a bottom panel. Each of the side panels extend upwardly from the bottom panel. The bottom panel has at least one aperture for receipt of a plant root or stems system, and preferably, has one main center aperture and a plurality of side apertures. The portable and reusable gardening device further includes a support base having integrally formed side walls which extend in a downward manner from a first generally planer surface.

Abstract: The invention is a plant container for growing and transplanting plants. More, specifically, the invention is for a plant container that is made of a multi-layered heat pressed root impenetrable materials with a plurality of closure mechanisms that allows a user to more easily remove and transplant a plant as well as monitor plant root growth.

Abstract: A modular green roof and/or green wall system includes a plurality of trays adapted to support vegetation and soil therein. The trays are sized such that a person may easily lift them and install them in a pre-vegetated state upon a roof or a wall. The trays are further designed to enable subterranean irrigation lines to be inserted therethrough, thereby hiding the irrigation lines from view. Biodegradable walls may be added of different heights to the trays to support different types of vegetation, as well as to create terracing for a given installation, if desired. A wicking material may be inserted into the tray and positioned such that is makes contact with wicking material in adjacent trays, thereby spreading moisture between trays through the capillary action of the wicking material.

Abstract: Carrier for growing macroalgae, with an element provided for the growth of seeds deposited thereon, and having elements for suspension in a water volume. The carrier is a sheet provided with apertures allowing flow of water from one side to the other, the surface of the sheet having a structure which will retain spores and seeds. The invention is also directed to an arrangement for suspending such a carrier with a device connected to at least one part of an edge of the carrier. The device may be a platform submersed in the sea, to which the carrier is attached.