Abstract: An article of footwear may have an outsole with multiple contact zones. Each of those contact zones may include perimeter regions formed from a harder elastomeric material and traction elements formed from a softer elastomeric material. The traction elements within a particular contact zone may be generally planar in shape and aligned in parallel along on orientation direction for that contact zone. When undeformed, the traction elements in a contact zone may extend outward from the outsole beyond the perimeter regions of that same contact zone. In response to a shear force resulting from activity of a shoe wearer, the traction elements may be deformable so as to rest within a volume formed by the perimeter regions.

Abstract: A thermal treatment boot device is provided for the purposes of securing thermal treatment means to a foot or leg. The device comprises a supporting boot, a plurality of pocket recesses, and a set of securing straps. The supporting boot is shaped similar to a standard boot, but lacking a front portion. This structure allows a user with an injured foot or ankle to easily slide in and out of the same without bending the ankle joint. The device is secured to a user's foot and leg by a plurality of straps extending from one side of the supporting boot to the opposing side, wherein they are attached by a fastening means. Thermal treatment packs or ice may be inserted within pocket recesses along the lateral sides, posterior, and base of the supporting boot according to a user's preference and the nature of the injury.

Abstract: A cycling shoe includes a sole having a toe section, a ball section, an arch section, and a heel section. An upper is connected to the sole to provide a cavity for receiving a foot of a cyclist, and a heel is pivotable relative to the sole by way of a lower portion of the heel being connected to the heel section of the sole. An upper portion of the heel can be rotated between selectable bistable open and closed positions by rotating the heel about a pivot area of the lower heel portion. In the closed position, the cyclist's foot can be secured to the cycling shoe using a fastening system that includes connecting elements extending from the heel and at least one tensioning device on the upper that cooperates with the connecting elements. The connecting elements can be adjusted such that the heel is in tension with the upper with a cyclist's foot therebetween.

Abstract: A shoe includes a first plate and a second plate that are located in a portion of the shoe between an upper and an outsole of the shoe, and a nest formed as a bag filled with one or more gasses located between the first plate and the second plate. The shoe may further include one or more springs located in cavities in the gas filled nest for biasing the first plate and the second plate apart from each other. Pods may be located within the openings in the center of the springs, and the pods may be filled with one or more gasses. The pods may protrude from a bottom or a top surface of the nest. Spring sandwiches including one or more springs positioned between plates may be constructed and placed in various portions of a shoe. The shoe may also include piping with lights.

Abstract: A new wireless remote controlled massaging footwear system, adaptable to typical footwear for individuals to wear and massage their feet during their normal daily activity. Massaging functions including multiple modes of operation and sequencing of massaging components is controlled using a wireless remote control device by the user or by a caregiver. The new system comprises massaging devices including six or more vibration motors and one or more various types of heating elements per foot that are structurally supported in enclosures. Enclosed massaging devices can be repositioned in the sole of the footwear to massage particular areas of the foot. The new system includes accessories such as a lanyard to wear the remote control around the user's neck and a carry case for protecting and transporting the system. The carry case is particularly suitable for a hospice care provider.

Abstract: An article of footwear may have a sole structure and an upper that includes at least one layer and a plurality of strands. The layer extends from a lace region of the upper to a lower region of the upper. The strands are located adjacent to the layer and in contact with the layer, and the strands extend from the lace region to the lower region. Additionally, the strands are unsecured to the layer for a distance of at least five centimeters in an area between the lace region and the lower region.

Abstract: An article of footwear with multiple cross sectional profile shapes disposed on an outer peripheral edge of a sole is disclosed. The multiple cross sectional profile shapes on the outer peripheral edge of the sole can help increase the lateral performance and lateral stability of a wearer of the article of footwear.

Abstract: A wear assembly for excavating equipment includes a base fixed to the excavating equipment, a wear member fit over the base, and a lock to releasably hold the wear member to the base. The wear member includes side relief to reduce drag on the system. The wear member and the base each includes a hemispherical front end and a generally trapezoidal rear portion. The base includes a nose and a stop projecting from the nose to cooperate with the lock without an opening being needed to receive the lock into the nose. The lock is an elongate lock positioned generally in an axial direction and which holds the wear member to the base under compressive loads.

Abstract: A convertible appliance and related method for treating a garment. The appliance includes a housing, a water tank disposed in the housing, a soleplate removably attached to the housing, a first steam chamber configured to generate and emit steam from the soleplate in a first configuration when the soleplate is attached to the housing, a second steam chamber configured to generate and emit steam from the housing in a second configuration when the soleplate is removed from the housing, a valve arrangement configured to fluidly connect the water tank to the first steam chamber when in the first configuration, and alternately, fluidly connect the water tank to the second chamber when in the second configuration.

Abstract: A hand-held cloth iron becomes very hot while in use. Even when cool, it is heavy and has sharp corners. Any of these characteristics can cause injury or damage if the iron falls. An improved iron includes a heel rest connected to the rear of the iron body. One or more permanent magnet pieces embedded in the heel rest produce a magnetic pull force between the magnets and the ferromagnetic steel top of an ironing board when the iron is stood on its heel. The magnets are strong enough to stabilize the iron, even on a board with a padded cover, without impractically impeding the operator's normal ironing motions. The magnetic rear plate can either be coplanar or slightly recessed with respect to the outer surface of the heel rest, and the amount of recess can be made adjustable by mechanical means so that the magnetic pull force between the magnetic heel rest and the ferromagnetic steel top of an ironing board can be adjusted by a user to suit his or her preference.

Abstract: A bed 20 has an indicator 80 associated therewith. The indicator has a first visually perceivable state and a second visually perceivable state differing from the first state in response to a change in a direction a of observation. Collectively, the states inform an observer of a feature or capability of the bed. The indicator may be in W the form of a label 82 associable with the bed and having the first and second visually perceivable states for collectively indicating the capability or feature of the bed. In general, the indicator is associated with an article to convey information about the article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a floor display comprising a floor panel, which panel comprises an upper surface, which upper surface of the panel mostly follows a line from the front of the bottom surface to the top of the side surface, hereby forming an inclined panel. It is the object of the invention to achieve a floor display at the floor in shops or supermarkets. This object can be achieved with a floor display if the upper surface of the panel forms a display area, which display surface comprises a transparent cover, which transparent cover is fixed to the panel at the panel front and at the side surface against the wall or shelf. It can hereby be achieved that the floor near walls or shelves is used for advertisement. As for all customers in shops or supermarkets, the floor is a very important place to use for advertisement.

Abstract: A sign including a panel having at least one indicator-shaped aperture therethrough from side to side. The panel includes a backing secured to a first surface of the panel. The backing can be made of fire-retardant material. A sheet can be secured to a second surface of the panel. The sheet can be made of fire-retardant material. A volume of fluid can be contained within a space defined by the at least one panel aperture, the backing and the sheet.

Abstract: The present lighting units provide an effective means by which a sports fan may express his support for a favorite team or school, whether it be a professional team, a collegiate team or college, or a high school team or high school. The portable lighting unit includes a housing having the appearance of a plurality of connected tiers, each of the tiers having a differing dimension such that the tiers convey a stair-step configuration. To represent the sports team or school, at least two three-dimensional alphabetic characters are affixed to a front surface of the tiers. A solar-powered lighting fixture is attached to the uppermost surface of the top tier to provide illumination for outdoor or indoor use. The housing and lettering may feature the team colors. A method of producing the lighting unit is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a series of profile configurations for retractable banner display devices. A top arcuate profile and a bottom flat profile form an elongated housing having an opening which enable a banner to be extended and displayed at forefront of the almost entire physical structure of said display device without the need of other stabilising requirements. At least one connection body profile integrates with top arcuate profile(s) and bottom flat profile(s) forming structures of said display device for a single or a double-sided banner display. The profile configuration enable easy assembly and maintenance for the said display device by means of a connecting method between a bottom flat profile and a connecting body profile, that said bottom flat profile can be easily removed and replaced while the structure of the said display device sustains.

Abstract: A wristband assembly comprising a wristband strap, a permanent adhesive supported by a first portion of the strap and adapted to secure the strap into a loop, and a temporary adhesive supported by a second portion of the strap. The wristband assembly can further include a liner positioned over the permanent adhesive, and preferably also over the temporary adhesive. The wristband assembly can also include a perforation between the second portion of the strap and the first portion of the strap to facilitate removal of the second portion. In this way, the second portion can act as a redeemable tag. After the tag has been removed and redeemed, the promoter can stick the tag to a tally sheet to organize the tags into groups of a defined number. The tally sheets can then be counted to determine the number of redeemed tags, without the need to count each tag.

Abstract: An ESL and ESL holder combination includes a locking mechanism for releasably securing the ESL to the ESL holder, and an ESL provided with at least one gripping means for cooperative engagement with the ESL holder. The ESL holder is attachable to an edge of a shelf, the ESL holder being provided with one or more receiving means such as for example slots for receiving the gripping means and the locking element in cooperative engagement. A spring loaded element is arranged inside the ESL such that the spring loaded element, in a latched position, secures the ESL to the ESL holder when the gripping means is brought into a hooked position in the receiving means. When displaced from its latched position, allowing the gripping means to leave its hooked position, this enables removal of the ESL from the ESL holder.

Abstract: A display device including a display frame, a first mounting member that displays a first object, and a second mounting member that displays a second object, each of the first and second mounting members being disposed within the display frame in one of at least two different configurations.

Abstract: A shotgun barrel of a construction that reduces recoil is provided. The shotgun barrel includes a smooth, non-rifled bore and a choke approximate the muzzle of the barrel. A plurality of vent holes through the barrel and extending into the bore in equal number and in alignment on opposing sides of the barrel along a length of the barrel that is inward of the choke, the sum of the transverse area of each of the plurality of vent holes not exceeding 50% of the muzzle area. A shotgun including the barrel of reduced recoil is also provided.

Abstract: A single-shot break action firearm includes a receiver, a barrel, and a stock. The receiver has a breach portion that defines a cavity that is sized and shaped to house a breechblock therein. The breechblock is constructed from a powdered metal formed by metal-injection-molding. The breechblock is form from a higher strength material than the receiver to contain explosive forces produced during discharge of the firearm. The barrel is connected with the receiver and extends forward therefrom. The stock is connected with the receiver and extends rearward therefrom.

Abstract: A model 1911 semiautomatic pistol thumb safety or decocking lever adapted to be coupled to a model 1911 receiver. The thumb safety has a selector pivotally coupled about an axis of rotation to a side of the model 1911 receiver the selector having a flat surface portion offset from the axis of rotation and contacting the side. The selector has a raised surface portion offset from the axis of rotation and facing the side. The safety is adapted to be selectable from a first position to a second position. The flat surface portion covers a swept area when the safety is rotated from the first position to the second position. The swept area is covered by the raised surface portion in either the first position or the second position.

Abstract: A stock assembly for attachment to the receiver of a shotgun is described. The assembly includes a pistol grip; a stock; a connector tube slidable within a conduit in the stock, the stock and connector being selectively lockable to each other; an attachment member slidable within the tube conduit between fully inserted and fully extended positions; a first elongated connector attached to the attachment member and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube into attachment with the pistol grip; a second elongated connector extending from the pistol grip into engagement with the receiver, the second member being at an angle to the first member; and a compression spring in the tube conduit urging the attachment member toward its fully extended position.

Abstract: A shell catcher apparatus that is supported from a connection on a removable ammunition magazine and from there extends a receptacle shaped to catch and retain the spent shells as ejected from an auto-loading firearm. Supported on the magazine, the primary feature of avoiding direct mechanical connection to the firearm frame is achieved. The shell catcher to magazine attachment component may be a clamping bracket or alternatively a modified replacement of an OEM part such as a sole plate or outer case of the magazine. The receptacle component of the shell catcher is shaped in a manner to extend its opening to the location where the spent shells are ejected from the firearm action. By the nature of its function, any shell catcher design obstructs access to the action of the firearm. By mounting the shell catcher on the magazine they become unitized and are both removed when the magazine release button is operated.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved weighted soft-bait fishing lure that includes a jighead assembly, comprising a weight having a generally elongate body with a first longitudinal axis, a hook and a bait keeper means, and a bait having an generally elongate body with a second longitudinal axis, wherein the bait is releasably connected to the jighead assembly at the bait keeper means such that the first longitudinal axis of the weight and the second longitudinal axis of the bait are generally in line with one another.

Abstract: A fishing lure combination is disclosed which comprises a frame and an oscillating blade which may be affixed to the frame and then replaced without removing or untying a fishing line affixed to the frame. Also, the frame comprises a clip for replacing an associated weighted fishing lure, also without removing or untying the fishing line.

Abstract: A fishing tackle swivel for attaching a fishing lure to a fishing line. The fishing tackle swivel is provided with posts extending from each of the end of a swivel body. A mechanism, such as one or more ball bearings provided in the interior of the swivel body would allow each of the posts to independently rotate with respect to the swivel body. A second end of each of the posts is attached to separate ring members through which the fishing lure and the fishing line are secured. At least a portion of the exterior surface of the swivel body is roughened, such as being knurled, allowing for ease of handling the swivel body.

Abstract: A float and/or strike indicator for fly fishing may be attached by friction/interference fit onto a line or leader, by sliding the float up the leader to a thicker-diameter portion of the leader for a tight fit between the leader and an axial bore in the float. The bore may be tapered in diameter, may have a constant diameter, may have a significantly reduced or tapered diameter or another restriction in a portion(s) of the bore, and/or may have an enlarged end opening, for example. The floats may include one or more protrusions into which a small diameter end of the axial bore extends, and, during installation on the line/leader, the protrusion may be removed but snapping or cutting to reveal the bore so that that line/leader may be inserted all the way through the float and accessed at the small diameter end of the bore.

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: Methods for producing phase stable, reduced acid biomass-derived pyrolysis oils are provided. Biomass-derived pyrolysis oil having a determined water content no greater than about 30% by weight is provided. A base is mixed with the biomass-derived pyrolysis oil to produce reduced acid biomass-derived pyrolysis oil. A base is selected from an inorganic base or a nitrogen-containing base.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for production of transportation fuels from biomass. More particularly, this invention relates to a process for using solvent to remove metal impurities and high molecular weight components from biomass derived biocrude to prevent potential catalyst poisoning and catalyst bed plugging in biocrude-to-transportation fuel upgrading process.

Abstract: Biodiesel compositions are provided, containing non-phenolic additives that improve the oxidative stability and lower the acid number. The invention further provides non-phenolic additive concentrate compositions and diesel fuel compositions containing the above biodiesel compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas oil composition that can achieve environment load reduction, low temperature properties and low fuel consumption all together and is suitably used in a winter season. The gas oil composition comprises an FT synthetic base oil in an amount of 60 percent by mass or more on the basis of the total mass of the composition and has a sulfur content of 5 ppm by mass or less, an aromatic content of 10 percent by volume or less, an oxygen content of 100 ppm or less, an end point of 360° C. or lower, an insoluble content after an oxidation stability test of 0.5 mg/100 mL or less, an HFRR wear scar diameter (WS1.4) of 400 ?m or smaller and a specific relation in normal paraffin contents and the total content thereof.

Abstract: A process for torrefaction of biomass is provided in which biomass are passed into a fluidized bed or a non-fluidized bed reactor and heated to a predetermined temperature in an oxidizing environment. The dried biomass is then fed to a cooler where the temperature of the product is reduced to approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Abstract: A system for collecting ligno-cellulosic biomass over a large area to enable the commercial refining of biomass from 2,500 to in excess of 50,000 tons of biomass per day to produce ethanol or other products. The biomass is collected at a series of collection points and then transported through a network of conduit “loops” interconnecting each of the collection points and the central refining plant. The water used to transport the biomass, as a slurry, is recovered and sequentially recycled in the same pipeline system to push the biomass slurry around the system in a “loop”.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for separating two or more seed fractions having different germination quality, to a method for preparing a seed fraction enriched in seed quality, and to the use of a magnetic fluid. The method for separating two or more seed fractions having different germination quality comprises: mixing a feed of seeds, said feed comprising seeds with at least two different densities, with a magnetic fluid, thereby obtaining a mixture; and applying a magnetic field to said mixture such that the mixture is exposed to a magnetic gradient so as to separate two or more seed fractions with different densities.

Abstract: Greenhouse (1) comprising a roof structure (4), at least one row of multiple supporting columns (2a-2f) supporting at least a part of the roof structure (4), and a cultivation gutter (50a-50g) extending within the greenhouse (1) in the direction of the row and supported by successive supporting columns (2a-2f) in the row, wherein the cultivation gutter (50a-50g) has a centre line extending in the longitudinal direction of the cultivation gutter (50a-50g) and extending through the successive supporting columns (2a-2f).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carrier for a bouquet of flowers, constituted of a container (1) which defines an internal volume (2) and which has, at one of the ends thereof, a lower base (3) and, at the opposite end, an upper part (4), said lower base (3) having an upper surface at the surface of the upper part (4), said upper part (4) having at least one opening (5), said opening (5) extending from the upper part (4) into the internal volume (2) by means of a skirt (6), characterized in that the lower base (3) is open and the container with an open lower base can be wrapped in a sheet of leak tight packaging (10) placed under the lower base (3) of the container and pulled up along the wall (11) of the container, wherein the container with an open lower base-sheet of leak tight packaging (10) assembly forms a water-tight closed container (1), and wherein the container with an open lower base-sheet of leak tight packaging assembly is kept in place by means of a tie (12).

Abstract: A plant support device (1) having a horizontal support (3) with vertical stakes (10) extending downward therefrom. The stakes may be height adjustable to accommodate various heights of different plants (2) and to allow a user to increase the height of the plant support device as a plant grows. The horizontal support is preferably made of a flexible material that allows a user to curve it around an entire plant to create a ring (13) that encircles the entire plant or to create a partial ring (21) that supports only one side of the plant. The diameter of the ring may be adjusted to accommodate various widths of different plants and to allow a user to increase the diameter of the ring as a plant grows. Multiple plant support devices may also be attached to one another to enlarge the diameter of the ring.

Abstract: A lantern planter wherein an exterior vessel contains inside of it an interior vessel. The interior vessel contains an interior fill material utilized to create mass inside the present invention. Affixed atop the interior vessel is a post support collar used to provide support to a post that is used to provide vertical support and stability to a supported device mechanically fastened to the post. The interior vessel, once filled with the interior fill material, and after the post is inserted via the post support collar has exterior fill material and decorative material installed atop the interior vessel such that the lantern planter provides structural support for the supported device and is aesthetically pleasing to the user.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for forming a flower pot cover with at least one indented portion to retain the flower pot cover on the flower pot. The apparatus includes a male and female die. The female die has a plurality of fingers movable radially into an opening of the female die. The male die has a recess formed between the lower end and the upper end and adapted to receive the fingers of the female die to form the at least one indented portion of the flower pot cover when the sheet of material is pressed between the female die and the male die.

Abstract: A hydroponic system consists of a hydroponic tank, a carrier or carriers for carrying or growing plants, a float or floats, and a supplementary lifting unit. The supplementary lifting unit includes a take-up mechanism having a small reel and one or multiple large reels configured subject to the circumference ratio of 1:?1 so that increasing the fluid level in the hydroponic tank to lift or lower the float one unit-height causes the carriers and the plants thereof to be lowered or lifted one unit-height plus the height corresponding to the circumference ratio between the large reel and the small reel for enabling the roots, stems and leaves of the growing plants to be dipped in the nutrient solution in the hydroponic tank or exposed to the outside air.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and a method of controlled gasification. The method includes introducing a first fuel to a gasifier in a system, introducing a first fuel to a gasifier in a system, generating a product gas by partially oxidizing the first fuel with an oxidizer including oxygen, directing a first portion of the product gas to a process chamber, and selectively introducing a recycled portion of the product gas to the gasifier.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cyclonic gasifier and cyclonic gasification method. The cyclonic gasifier and cyclonic gasification method involve a chamber having a first portion proximal to a first end and a second portion proximal to a second end, introducing a first fuel to the first portion of the chamber, introducing a second fuel to the chamber; and introducing a first oxidant to accelerate the velocity of the first fuel and swirl the first fuel from the first portion toward the second portion.

Abstract: A door opener for opening a door having an external surface comprises a screw mounted for rotary motion and a carriage mounted on the screw such that rotation of the screw causes motion of the carriage along the screw. A motor rotates the screw. An actuator arm has a first end and a second end, where the actuator arm is operatively connected to the carriage such that movement of the carriage causes the actuator arm to move between a retracted position where the door is closed and an extended position where the door is open. The first end of the actuator arm is in contact with but not connected to the external surface of the door such that the first end of the actuator arm rides over the external surface of the door.

Abstract: The watertight patio door assembly includes two adjacent and laterally offset door panels mounted in a door frame, at least one of the door panels being slidably movable within the door frame. It also includes a combined air and water passageway located within a sill section of the door frame. The passageway provides a continual fluid communication between a location at a bottom end of a clearance gap, located between adjacent vertical frame members of the door panels when the patio door assembly is closed, and the exterior side of the patio door assembly. Two spaced-apart sets of weatherstrips create a vertically-extending buffer air space within the clearance gap. The disclosed arrangement can greatly improve watertightness between the door panels during severe weather conditions without the need of a complex arrangement and/or weatherstrips impairing the movement of the sliding door panel or panels.

Abstract: A window assembly including a frame having an interior portion with an inner surface, and a sash having an interior portion and an exterior portion. The window assembly includes an operational mode and a wash mode. In the operational mode, the sash is movable from a closed position to a position in which the sash is generally perpendicular with the frame. In the wash mode, the sash is movable to a position where the exterior of the sash faces toward the interior frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a driving system for an automatic sliding door. The driving system includes a driver and a rack and pinion mechanism. The pinion is adapted to cause sliding movement of the door in a first or second direction when operatively connected to a corresponding rack associated with the door. The pinion is selectively attachable to the driver in two positions: (a) a first position in order to cause sliding movement of the door in the first direction; and (b) a second position in order to cause sliding movement of the door in the second direction. The present invention also relates to a device for indicating whether a driving system is suitable for driving a sliding door. The device includes a first end, a region including one or more calibrations; and a second end. The first end is adapted to be pulled by a user. The second end is adapted to be selectively and detachably attached to one of the calibrations. The region is located between the first end and the second end.

Abstract: The invention relates a method for making a window, where the sash is connected to the frame by a pair of hinges, each comprising a first hinge part connected to the sash and a second hinge part connected to the frame. The sash is made from a plastic material by moulding, and that one or more functional elements are attached to the sash during the moulding thereof. The functional elements can include a stay arm having a base member, which is attached to the sash bottom member, and the first hinge parts. Also, the frame may be made by moulding.

Abstract: A one-piece seal is used between the rear doors of a semi-trailer truck and the rear frame of the truck, the seal having a good compression set resistance. The seal is made from multiple extrusion members that are fused, welded, or otherwise integrally, monolithically connected at corner joints to form a central opening. The extrusion members have a sealing profile, or cross-section, that allows for the compression and deflection of a pair of sealing lobes to create inner and outer seals, respectively, between the trailer frame and the door structure at the rear of a semi-trailer truck, as well as between the doors themselves.

Abstract: A sealing assembly is provided for a vehicle having independently opening and closing closure panels, such as first and second doors, which are hinged to a vehicle body with opposing hinges. The sealing assembly has a first seal that is mounted to the vehicle body to substantially surround a continuous door opening, and has a first membrane portion that extends over a first portion of the cutline. A second seal is mounted to a surface of the first door that faces the first membrane portion when the first door is closed. A third seal is mounted to a surface of the second door that faces the first membrane portion when the second door is closed. The first membrane portion is configured to be movable toward the closed first and second doors into contact with the second and third seals to seal the first portion of the cutline.