Abstract: The present invention includes improvements for fishing lures. In some embodiments, a blade of a fishing lure includes a louvered hole. The louvered hole increases the blade turning action as water moves through the hole making the lure more enticing to fish resulting in more bites/strikes. The size, shape, type, color, texture and other characteristics of the blade and the overall lure are all changeable. In a second embodiment, a lure includes one or more elongated tails. In some embodiments, the elongated tails float, spin, slow down the lure and/or generate an appearance similar to a living creature. Again, the other characteristics of the lure with elongated tails are all changeable.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a modular fishing hook accessory mounting system for removably mounting a fishing accessory on a hook. The system includes a hook, a modular mounting member and a fishing accessory. The hook has a shank portion and an eye shank portion, the eye shank portion being located at one end of the shank portion. The modular mounting member is mounted on the hook for removably receiving a fishing accessory. The fishing accessory is removably mounted on the modular mounting member, the fishing accessory having a recess formed therein for slidably receiving at least a portion of a retaining member for retaining the retaining member and fishing accessory to the mounting member. The fishing accessory may be a jig head that is substantially lead-free, such as being made from a steel that has been powdered, pressed and sintered. Of course, the modular fishing hook accessory mounting system will work with lead jig head that is modified to be removable.

Abstract: A pest control device uses a replaceable glueboard to immobilize pests attracted to the pest control device. A unique guide is provided to help prevent the adhesive surface of the glueboards from coming into contact with other surfaces of the pest control device during installation and removal of such glueboards.

Abstract: A method and system for disinfecting and disinfesting a commodity, such as a perishable agricultural commodity, by treatment with an environment of low oxygen/high ballast gas with cycled pressure changes that overwhelm and damage the respiratory system of the insect without damaging the host commodity. The system and method may also include the introduction of disinfectants, antiseptics and other toxic chemicals or the exposure to radio frequencies with intense electric fields that may increase the metabolic activity of the pest or decrease the fitness of the pest within the low oxygen environment. Treatments according to the methods can also increase the shelf life of agricultural commodities by eradicating or delaying the growth of bacteria, fungi, protozoa and other microbial pests.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method for solvent liquefaction of biomass to produce liquid products such as transportation fuel. The method uses a novel solvent combination that promotes liquefaction relatively quickly, and it reduces the need to transport large amounts of hydrogen or hydrogen-carrying solvents. It operates at lower pressure than previous methods, does not require a catalyst or hydrogen gas or CO input, and provides very high conversion of biomass into a bio-oil that can be further processed in a petroleum refinery. It also beneficially provides a way to recycle a portion of the crude liquefaction product for use as part of the solvent combination for the biomass liquefaction reaction.

Abstract: Use in a gas oil fuel composition, which preferably comprises a Fischer-Tropsch derived fuel, of a compound according to formula (I): wherein: R1 to R4 are each independently hydrogen or a C1-10 alkyl group, where such alkyl groups may be the same as or different from one another; and X is a nitrogen- or oxygen-containing group, for the purpose of reducing the cetane number of said fuel composition; preparation of such a fuel composition; and operating a fuel consuming system.

Abstract: A copolymer with high chemical homogeneity, consisting of (A) 50 to 30% by weight of ethylene, (B) 50 to 70% by weight of C4- to C24-hydrocarbyl ester of (meth)acrylic acid, (C) 0 to 5% by weight of (meth)acrylic acid and (D) 0 to 10% by weight of copolymerizable monomers, obtainable by polymerizing a mixture of 80 to 60% by weight of ethylene, 20 to 40% by weight of (meth)acrylic acid and 0 to 10% by weight of copolymerizable monomers in a backmixing, continuous polymerization apparatus, and subsequently polymer-analogously esterifying the resulting copolymer with C4- to C24-hydrocarbinols. The inventive copolymer is suitable for improving the cold flow properties of fuel oils, for lowering the lower mixing temperature of cold flow improver additives into fuel oils, and for improving the filterability of fuel oils comprising cold flow improver additives.

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 flower pot in combination with a retaining medium for holding and retaining a floral grouping is disclosed. The flower pot includes a base portion defining a receiving space for receiving at least a portion of the retaining medium so as to hold and retain the retaining medium. The base portion is constructed of a thermoformed plastic material, and has an upper end, a lower end, and a sidewall extending between the upper end and the lower end. The sidewall is substantially devoid of overlapping folds and has decorative ornamentation associated with at least a portion of the sidewall.

Abstract: Provided is a modular growing panel system for attaching vegetation to a surface of a structure. In one aspect, the modular growing panel system includes a growing substrate with a plurality of layers formed into a tile that is rigid and self-supportive of vegetation being grown in the growing substrate. A binder attaches one or more of the tiles to each other and forming the modular growing panel system. In another aspect, the modular growing panel system includes a growing substrate with a plurality of layers formed into a tile that is rigid and self-supportive of vegetation being grown in the growing substrate. A framework for holding and attaching one or more tiles to the structure includes an upper channel having a slot that corresponds to the depth of the tile and a lower channel also having a slot corresponding to the depth of the tile.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container with cells for plant material, and/or systems and methods involving the transfer of cells containing plant material to larger cells (e.g., without removing the plant material from the cells being transferred to larger cells). The container can be used to transport plant material. The container has cells formed from biodegradable material. The cell itself can hereby be gripped by a transfer unit during a transfer method and this cell can be placed in a larger cell. In addition, the cells of the container can be separated from the rest of the container before the cell is transferred.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical planter in the form of an inverted, truncated cone includes a pail with an internal, perforated baffle that divides the interior into separate, laterally spaced apart volumes. A water level float indicator is mechanically secured by the baffle. An overfilling prevention orifice is defined in the peripheral surface of the pail overfilling with water. A smaller “weep” hole disposed beneath the overfill-preventing hole 20 is normally blocked by a removable plug that can be removed to establish a proper fill line. The generally planar baffle is disposed at an angle within the pail, intersecting the pail body to form a conic section. The baffle is angled at approximately forty to fifty degrees.

Abstract: An aeroponic growing system, double T-shaped sprayer design and method for cultivating larger plant crops and increasing harvest frequency. The system comprises a series of aeroponic growing units, each of which supports a plant's roots within an enclosure. The enclosure houses a sprayer, an interior volume of plant nutrient solution and a plumbing system for accepting and distributing the aqueous water-nutrient solution. The internal sprayer is a double T-shaped mister that sprays an atomized mist directed from a first set of nozzles onto the plant roots, along with a second set of nozzles directed toward the base of the enclosure to aerate the interior volume of plant nutrient solution. The T-shaped mister provides circumferential coverage of the plant roots, while the aeration of the plant nutrient solution provides an aerated solution that accelerates plant growth through a hybrid process of Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) called a Hyperactive Aeroponic Shallow Water Culture (HAS Culture).

Abstract: A hydroponic system is provided that employs a bag formed of generally flat plastic tubing. Each bag includes a plurality of growing spaces that are defined by barriers that interconnect a first surface of the bag to a second surface of the bag. The barriers are non-continuous such that at least one channel is provided between adjacent growing spaces.

Abstract: A system, including, a gasifier, including: a gasification region, an inner wall surrounding the gasification region, and a first fuel path extending along the inner wall, wherein the first fuel path is configured to flow a first fuel to cool the gasifier, and the gasifier is configured to inject the first fuel from the first fuel path into the gasification region.

Abstract: A waterproof gate includes a door frame, two side rails mounted on two opposite sides of the door frame, a waterproof door movably mounted between the two side rails, at least one sealing gasket mounted on the waterproof door, and at least one waterproof strip mounted between the waterproof door and the door frame. Thus, when the water level exceeds a preset value, the waterproof door is moved down to press the ground tightly so that the waterproof door blocks the door frame so as to provide a waterproof effect to the door frame.

Abstract: A revolving door that has a drive, which is operatively connected to a turnstile of the revolving door and rotationally drives the turnstile. The drive includes a drive motor configured as a multipole electro-motor, the axis of rotation thereof extending parallel or coaxially to the axis of rotation of the turnstile and has a height of equal to or smaller than 80 mm.

Abstract: A door overload protection device for a vehicle door, especially for an armored vehicle door is disclosed. The door overload protection includes a door leaf, a door frame and at least one hinge, the device being made such that it can act against a compressive force which has arisen from the weight of the door leaf and which is applied in a vertical and/or a horizontal direction in its moving, opening and closing state. A method for producing a door overload protection device is also provided.

Abstract: An especially failsafe method for operating an electric window lift for closing and opening a window of a convertible is provided. A threshold value that is relevant to the triggering of an anti-pinch protection system of the window lift is regularly adapted to the actuation-position-dependent behavior of a sensed operating quantity of the window lift, at least in a lower region of the actuation path of the window, both when the top of the convertible is closed and when it is open. At least for the first window closing process after a closing of the top, the threshold value is rigidly predefined in an upper region of the actuation path of the window.

Abstract: An adjustable glide apparatus is for a sliding panel to slide along a track between open and closed positions. The adjustable glide apparatus comprises a housing defining a cavity with at least one receiver disposed within the cavity. An adjustment stem has an end that has a thread and is disposed within the cavity. A cam is coupled to the receiver for moving the receiver relative to the housing. The cam comprises a plurality of teeth for engaging the thread to rotate the cam as the adjustment stem is rotated thereby moving the receiver relative. A glide is coupled to the receiver and comprises a contact surface. The contact surface is adapted for sliding engagement with the track to slide the sliding panel between the open and the closed positions. A distance between the contact surface and the housing is adjusted as the receiver is moved by the cam.

Abstract: Vehicles equipped with sliding doors that undergo powered openings typically are prohibited from opening if the vehicle is in drive. Various modes of door operation are disclosed that safely enable powered operation of a vehicle sliding door regardless of the transmission state of the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods of forming inserts for earth-boring tools include providing a material in a pattern adjacent a strip, arranging a plurality of superabrasive particles proximate the pattern, and securing at least some of the plurality of superabrasive particles to the strip. The material is configured to attract or secure the plurality of superabrasive particles. Some methods may include imparting like charges to each of a plurality of superabrasive particles, placing the plurality of superabrasive particles over a strip, and securing the superabrasive particles to the strip. In some methods, a first plurality of superabrasive particles may be placed in an array between a first strip and a second strip. A second plurality of superabrasive particles may be placed in an array between the second strip and a third strip. Methods of forming earth-boring rotary drill bits include forming an insert and securing the insert to a body of the bit.

Abstract: An adapter for facilitating the installation of finished walls around bathing units, such as bathtubs, shower basins, or one-piece shower units, where the bathing units have a vertical water-retaining flange around at least part of their perimeter. The adapter includes an elongated channel and a sealing strip extending down from the channel. The adapter may be applied to the bottom edge of a section of wall board, so that the wall board enters the channel and the sealing strip points down. The wall board can then be secured to a wall adjacent the bathing unit with the sealing strip extending over the flange and abutting against a surface of the bathing unit, such as a tub deck, where it forms a water-resistant seal. The adapter forms a substantially planar surface to which finished walling materials may be applied without requiring the use of furring strips.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a modular structure comprising a base, four upstanding sidewalls, and a roof. In various embodiments, the structure may include a clamping system adapted to interconnect the base, sidewalls, and roof. In various embodiments, a beam may be disposed across the top of two opposing sidewalls to provide structural support for the roof. In various embodiments, the collapsible container may be disassembled, for example for transport, and reassembled for reuse. In various embodiments, the collapsible container, when assembled, may be used as a housing structure adapted for use as a mobile work station, temporary housing, or barracks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile house comprising a sill (1) of inorganic material, at least four height-adjustable feet (2), a framework (3, 4, 5, 6) of inorganic material for walls and roofs, a plurality of floorboards (7), a plurality of wallboards (8), and a plurality of roof panels (9), the adjustable feet, in the assembled state, levelly supporting the sill at a distance from the underlying ground.

Abstract: A reinforcing system for a guy anchor used in a guyed or additionally guyed tower includes a concrete structure formed around the guy anchor. The concrete structure has a top surface slightly above grade level. The reinforcing system further includes a supplemental anchor shaft. The supplemental anchor shaft is attached to the existing anchor head and extends down into the concrete structure, where it is retained and encased therein. The concrete structure preferably has a base and at least one wall that extends down from the base and has a surface that faces the tower to resist horizontal forces. The reinforcing system is sufficiently strong to keep the guy anchor in place even if the original anchor shaft completely corrodes. The supplemental anchor shaft does not generally come into contact with soil. It therefore resists corrosion and is expected to provide a long service life.

Abstract: A modular building system uses a perimeter bond beam and prefabricated wall panels to form an exterior curtain wall. The wall panels are captured within, and may move vertically inside a channel formed in the bond beam. The wall panels are quickly erected by inserting an upper edge of each panel into the channel and swinging the panel onto the foundation where it is claimed in place on the foundation.

Abstract: A folding loft stair assembly has an outer mounting frame for mounting in a ceiling ope giving access to an attic space in a building. An inner stairway support frame is pivotally mounted on the outer frame for movement between a nested position within the outer frame and a downwardly extending in-use position. A two-art collapsible stairway is movable on the inner frame by a remotely controlled actuator between a raised collapsed stored position and lowered in-use position. The stairway includes an upper part and a lower part hingedly connected to the upper part. An upper end of the upper part is hingedly mounted on the inner frame. The lower part is slidably connected to the inner frame by a pair of slide arms. An inner end of each slide arm is pivotally connected to the inner frame and an outer end of the slide arm slidably engages a slide rail on the lower part.

Abstract: An improved handrail for a staircase or ramp. In one embodiment, the handrail includes an elongated member such as a cylinder or bar that spans the length of the staircase or ramp and a riser barrier. The riser barrier has an extender portion and a riser portion. The extender portion of the riser barrier keeps the elongated member a sufficient distance horizontally from the riser portion that a person can slide his or her hand on the rail without interference. The riser portion projects vertically a sufficient distance above the elongated member to deter sliding down the elongated member. Thus, sliding on the member is deterred, while the function of the cylinder as a handrail is preserved.

Abstract: A structural system that is capable of absorbing high impactive and impulsive loads comprises of the following elements: (a) Main Structure: should be one of certain types of structures such as: containments, reservoirs, tanks, storages, etc. (b) Outer Shield: an outside hardened structure fixed by an anchorage system and resting on a sliding-plane. (c) Anchorage System: a set of anchors that hold the outer shield in place and collapses if the impactive or impulsive load exceeds certain level allowing the outer shield to slide crushing the filling layer and absorbing substantial amount of energy.

Abstract: Disclosed is an easy-to-construct window apparatus including to assure easy construction and superior drainage ability. The window apparatus includes a window frame fixing unit including a bottom plate, vertical plates formed at lateral ends of the bottom plate and a rack plate formed at each vertical plate, a window frame support unit including a seat plate on the rack plate, a support plate configured to be supported on the bottom plate, fastening pieces protruding from the seat plate, and a holding groove formed in each fastening piece, a rail unit including a horizontal plate provided with a rail and a coupling piece, and a holding ridge formed at the coupling piece so as to be coupled with the holding groove, a window drive unit including a press-fit structure to be press-fitted into a window, and water discharge holes perforated in the aforementioned units.

Abstract: A modular foundation system comprising prefabricated foundation sections each comprising stems and bases. In some embodiments, the base of each section is configured to have complimentary ends adapted to selectively engage in a desired configuration. In some embodiments, each base and/or each stem of each section can include coupling openings adapted to receive engagement reinforcing adapted to engage adjacent sections. Each section includes a clamping bracket adapted to selectively couple with an alignment rod adapted to draw adjacent sections together and align said adjacent sections.

Abstract: A shingle layer of shingle is provided having an increased thickness adhesive coating on at least a portion of its rear surface, with granules embedded therein, with the granules being of a size range that is larger than the fine particles normally applied to the rear surface of a shingle layer.

Abstract: A molded synthetic polymer based shingle is provided as is a roof made up of underlying and overlying of courses of such shingles. The shingles are generally rigid and are provided with upwardly protruding moisture guards on the upper surfaces of their headlap portions, for guarding against wind-blown moisture entering fastener locations at which fasteners are used to attach shingles to a roof. The moisture guards may be of various configurations and by either completely or incompletely surround the fastener locations. Shields having recesses for receiving moisture guards therein, or other downward projections, may be provided at under surface locations of the shingles in cooperative engagement for further protection against moisture penetration and for facilitating alignment of shingles relative to other shingles.

Abstract: The tile roof batten spacer has a rectangular base with rounded ends for preventing water from pooling. The rounded ends extend upwardly above the base, and on an inner part of rounded ends there are gripping members that receive wooden battens for mounting concrete tiles thereon. The tile roof batten spacer is made from polypropylene plastic and saves energy on new residential houses by elevating the batten and the concrete tile by about one additional centimeter, or ? of an inch, from the sheathing. This provides ample room for the air to flow for better ventilation on the roof, as well as providing a greater area for drainage when water seeps through on to the sheathing. Thus, less energy is used to cool the home, and the roof lasts longer, since water will drain off the sheathing.

Abstract: Structural members widely adaptable for use to build various composite structures and assemblies having horizontal and vertical supports, such as columns, beams and rails, are shown and described. The composite structural members include a longitudinal channel having a web and first and second legs. Each leg includes a plane that extends from a side of the web and is inclined relative to the web, and a cylinder is located at an edge of the leg that is spaced from the web. Various fittings can be used to engage at least one of the cylinders of the channel to fix the channel in position relative to a second, third and/or fourth channel to form the column, beam or rail. Further, select brackets can be used to attach together columns, beams and rails of the assembly.

Abstract: A tie system is provided for use with a wall form for a cementitious backup wall and for use with a wall tie to connect between the cementitious backup wall and a veneer. The tie system includes a backup wall connector and a form connector. The form connector is connectable to the form and secures the backup wall connector in position as the wall form is filled.

Abstract: A channel shaped metal shim for correcting edgewise deviation along the cupped edge of crooked framing lumber, the channel shaped metal shim comprises a web width ? the thickness of the cupped edge, and a first flange and second flange having a flange depth <½ the face depth of the crooked framing member so that the first flange and second flange can be fixed to the crooked framing member without contacting utility service extending through the frame member.

Abstract: A self-sealing attachment assembly, includes a base portion defining a receptacle having an opening at one end and a surface with a through-hole at an opposite end, a sealant material in the receptacle, and a cover secured to the base portion and enclosing the opening, wherein the cover is configured to receive a driving force from a fastener and dispenses the sealant material via the through-hole by displacement through the receptacle when actuated by the driving force. A method is disclosed for installing a building material to a framing that includes mounting a self-sealing attachment assembly onto a fastening member and driving the fastening member through the sealing assembly and the building material toward the framing to dispense a sealant material to seal the penetration hole formed by the fastening member in the building material to form a watertight seal.

Abstract: A method of relining a chimney includes: inserting a sleeve into a chimney; subsequently coating the sleeve with a flowable refractory material while the sleeve is positioned in the chimney. The flowable refractory material hardens on the sleeve to provide a refractory surface on the inner surface of the sleeve. The sleeve may be flexible or rigid, and may be lined with an insulating material. A high-temperature resistant fabric with an aluminum foil outer liner is preferred. The flowable refractory material may be a blend of inorganic materials and inert aggregates together with a high temperature resin bonding agent. The inert aggregates may include 50-80% Al2O3 and 10-40% SiO2.

Abstract: A wrapping machine for wrapping a product with a plastic film including a supporting frame with which a ring arrangement is associated that rotates around a wrapping axis of the film and around the product. The supporting frame further supports a carriage arranged for supporting a reel of the film and for supporting a first roller and a second roller for unwinding and stretching the film. A first motor and a second motor are mounted on the supporting frame and coupled, respectively, with the first roller and the second roller.

Abstract: An apparatus that allows a storage bin to be evenly loaded while providing an environment which prevents fruit from colliding into machinery and into each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a container, made of an inorganic additive containing plastic material, for reducing physical/chemical interaction between the container and an oil, fat and/or wax containing formulation contained therein.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to vacuum skin packaging, laminates. The laminates include a first film, a second film, an adhesive bonding the first film to the second film, and an adhesive-free interfacial section between the first and second films. The laminate is adapted to provide substantially horizontal first film-surface above the product for displaying product markings and a thermoformable second film-surface for conforming to the shape of the product. The present invention also is directed to vacuum skin packages formed from such laminates, and methods of packaging a product.

Abstract: A packaging material comprising a plurality of flexible strips of material integrally interconnected to one another along one end thereof so as to form a unitary mass and so that the strips of material are intertwineable with one another to form a resilient tuft. The strips of material interconnected via a border have a bonding material disposed thereon for bondingly connecting the packaging material to a container.

Abstract: A packaging assembly having an open design for displaying a product is provided. The packaging assembly is configured for storage and display in high density arrays of packaging assemblies, such as storage in pallets, and is configured to display visual information to a user from any perspective, even when the packaging assembly is packed in high density arrays of packaging assemblies. The packaging assembly includes an inner portion designed to contain a product and a housing designed to house the inner portion, wherein the inner portion includes a substantially transparent cover that facilitates display of the product. The packaging assembly includes an outer portion having a three dimensional window box frame, wherein portions of the window box frame are configured to couple to flanges provided on the inner portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymer composition, comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer, at least one pigment or at least one filler or a mixture thereof and at least one diester of a linear diol having 2 to 8 C-atoms with a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated monocarboxylic acid having 6 to 44 C-atoms, wherein the fraction of diesters comprising different fatty acid radicals in a molecule is less than 10% by weight with regard to the total amount of diesters.

Abstract: A packaging system for packaging food on a plurality of trays is provided. The packaging system has a main conveyor configured to move each of the plurality of trays about the packaging system and a tray unloader for unloading one tray from a tray stack onto the main conveyor. The packaging system has a food loader configured to place the food into each of the trays and a food accessory loader configured to place a food accessory into a storage compartment of each of the trays.

Abstract: New and improved seal jaws and methods for creating a seal on a package containing a high-profile product therein are described herein. The seal jaws are configured to seal overlapping wrapping film segments together adjacent the product in a seal zone where the height of the product results in additional film width. The height of the product creates an inward pull that can prevent the additional film width from being taut, which can result in folds or wrinkles in a subsequently formed seal. Advantageously, the seal jaws described herein have a non-linear configuration that provides extra sealing surface area as compared to linear surfaces over the same lateral distance. The extra sealing surface is provided by an array of curvilinear peaks and valleys, where the peaks tension the overlapping film segments in the seal zone to substantially prevent the additional film width from forming folds in a subsequently formed seal.

Abstract: A thermoformed clamshell package with a pair of closing flanges and a double-sided adhesive for joining the closing flanges to seal the package. The package includes a carrier flange that carries the double-sided adhesive prior to sealing and a sealing flange that is brought into contact with the double-sided adhesive to seal the package. The package may include a frangible portion in the flange region for gaining access to the contents of the package after it has been sealed without breaking the adhesive seal created by the double-sided adhesive. The carrier flange may include a channel for seating the double-sided adhesive and for denesting adjacent packages when nested together for shipping and/or storage. The package may include one or more display strips disposed in the flange region. The present invention also provides a method for packaging articles in a package with a tamper-evident seal, and a method for manufacturing a package with a tamper-evident seal.