Abstract: A method for drying a wet semiconductor substrate includes the steps of immersing the substrate in a drying liquid in a drying chamber; removing the substrate from the drying liquid within the drying chamber; purging the drying chamber with inert gas; exposing the substrate to vacuum pressure within the drying chamber; and backfilling the drying chamber with the inert gas to substantially achieve atmospheric pressure. A system for drying a semiconductor substrate includes a drying chamber, a drying liquid reservoir in fluid communication with the drying chamber, a liquid pump, an inert gas supply in fluid communication with the drying chamber, and a vacuum pressure source in fluid communication with the drying chamber.

Abstract: An accessory for use in mounting and regenerating goggles while on a helmet. Features of the helmet accessory are adapted for securing the goggles, for preventing or minimizing accumulation of snow or dirt on the optical surfaces, and for removing or resisting condensation and fogging inside the goggles. The accessory includes a “face-shaped” mounting surface with nose ridge and forehead ridge configured so that the goggles may be flush seated to protect their foam edgings when sealed against the mounting surface. The mounting system is mounted on the superior front surface of the helmet and requires no modification of the goggles or helmet for use. In use, goggles may be easily transferred from a first position when worn on the user's face to a second “standby” or “regeneration” position engaging the nose and brow ridges of the face-shaped mounting system, where the goggles may be regenerated or conveniently secured when not in use.

Abstract: A two-piece convertible boot. The boot may include a shoe portion for enclosing a wearer's foot and extending substantially up to the wearer's ankle, the shoe portion comprising a sole, an insole, a heel and an upper. The shoe portion can further include an opening for inserting the wearer's foot, and a top end extending downward from the opening. The boot may further include a calf portion for enclosing a portion of the wearer's calf, the calf portion having a top opening disposed at a top end of the calf portion, and a bottom opening disposed at the bottom end of the calf portion, wherein the bottom end of the calf portion can overlap the top end of the shoe portion so as to form a friction fit between the bottom end of the calf portion and the top end of the shoe portion.

Abstract: A shoe construction including a shoe upper, an intermediate insert assembly and at least an outsole, the insert assembly including a sockliner having a raised area positioned to underlie an arch of a wearer's foot and a recessed area positioned to underlie a heel of a wearer's foot, and a relatively rigid board member having recessed areas underlying the sockliner in the heel and arch areas.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a silicone gel insole/midsole for footwear with a Shore durometer in the range of 45 A to 55 A, with a thickness of 2-6 mm, layered and bonded between the upper of a shoe and an extra-depth outsole that is also 2-6 mm in depth relative shoe type. Said insole/midsole is for making a conformable and comfortable shoe, part using silicone gel material for use in functional relation with an article of footwear in order to enhance fit, support, comfort, cushioning and because silicone gel properties mimic the energy dissipation properties of human soft tissue and structure, the present invention can also serve to accommodate the unique anatomical features of an individual wearer and finds application within numerous types of articles of footwear.

Abstract: A footwear construction including a portion of an upper and/or sole, a strap defining a sleeve, and a cord joined with the upper and/or sole portion, extending toward the strap and slidably housed in the sleeve. An adjustment element is selectively locatable along a part of the cord. By sliding the cord relative to the sleeve and optionally adjusting the location of the adjustment element, the spatial relationship between the strap and the upper and/or sole portion can be selectively adjusted to accommodate a particular dimension of a wearer's foot and/or ankle. A method is also provided for manufacturing footwear including the above components.

Abstract: A footwear construction including a sole and an adjustable heel element selectively rotatable about an axis of rotation to configure the heel element in a fitness mode or a stability mode. The heel element can include a ground contacting surface having a first performance contour and a second, different performance contour. In the fitness mode, the first performance contour is positioned rearward of the second performance contour to provide a rolling/rocking motion when the heel region of the footwear engages a walking surface in a gait cycle. In the stability mode, the second performance contour is positioned rearward of the first performance contour to provide a stable impact when the heel region engages a walking surface. The footwear can include an actuator to enable the heel element to rotate and locking elements to hold the heel element in a fixed rotational position. A related method of use also is provided.

Abstract: A sports footwear, particularly suitable for use in road and off-road bikes, including an outsole having means with differential stiffness, a heel cup made of at least a composite material with differential stiffness and a cushioning insert to be inserted into a padded tongue to achieve comfort and to customize said footwear, and a process to manufacture said footwear.

Abstract: A replaceable bicycle shoe cleat assembly includes a first cleat member and a second cleat member, which can be replaced independently from a bicycle shoe when worn out. Therein, the new cleat member can get positioned by the remained member and thus be accurately fixed to the bicycle shoe at a position where the replaced cleat member was formerly installed.

Abstract: An application for an adornment for footwear that has a rim area includes a decorative portion and a way to removably attach the decorative portion to the rim area of the footwear such that when the decorative portion is attached to the rim area of the footwear, a decorative surface of the decorative portion is visible from outside of the footwear.

Abstract: An adornment for footwear includes a sleeve of generally tubular shape for fitting over a leg of a person. The sleeve has a first portion and a second portion. At least the second portion of the sleeve is sized to fit between a rim area of footwear and the leg of the person. At least an inside surface of the first portion of the sleeve is or is covered by a decorative material such that after the person dons the sleeve and then dons the footwear, the first portion of the sleeve is folded over the rim area of the footwear, thereby exposing the decorative material.

Abstract: A cleat attachment system for footwear. The cleat includes a cylinder on a base with one or more locking tabs disposed around the outside of the cylinder. The receptacle includes a cylindrical cavity with one or more locking tabs on the cavity's inner surface. A cleat attaches to a receptacle embedded in footwear by inserting the cleat attachment structure into the receptacle, after ramps on the cleat attachment structure and the receptacle are oriented with respect to each other. The locking tabs engage to retain the cleat in the receptacle. Corresponding ramps on the cleat attachment structure and the receptacle cooperate to disengage the locking tabs when the cleat attachment structure is twisted about its axis. The cleat is thereby detached from the receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe having an active ventilation mechanism, and more particularly, to a shoe having an active ventilation mechanism in which a point on the inside of the sole, where the arch of the foot of the wearer is positioned, is equipped with a pumping member for resiliently supporting and pressing on the arch of the foot and for actively causing inflow of external air an actively ventilating the inside of the shoe by means of pressure, and which is configured such that a comfortable state of foot hygiene can be ensured and that repeated pressure on the arch can correct the shape of the arch and reduce foot fatigue, and is configured such that the height of an elastic cover which makes contract with the arch can easily be adjusted.

Abstract: A snow pusher has a blade sloping upward between a front lower and a rear upper edges interconnected by opposite side edges. A handle is carried upwardly and reardwardly from the blade for manual gripping by an operator. A support sled disposed at least partially beneath the blade extends rearwardly away from the front lower edge of the blade, and spans between opposite sides of the sled respectively disposed adjacent the opposite side edges of the blade. An underside of the sled, at a position adjacent each side thereof, slopes upward from a flat portion of the underside to the respective side of the sled. The sled provides significant area over which the weight of snow on the blade is distributed to minimize sinking of the pusher into snow over which it is slid during use, while the curved sides prevent the sled from digging into the snow during turns.

Abstract: A trench edging member to be placed adjacent a trench or hole in the ground is designed to retain the soil removed from the trench, not destroy the landscape beneath the device, and enable an individual to readily replace the soil back into the trench or hole. A plurality of these devices can be placed adjacent each other so that a long trench can be dug filled with the required equipment or utilities, and the soil replaced back into the trench. The material employed for the device is formed into an undulating or wavy pattern when viewed in cross section. This enables a plurality of the devices to be nested or stacked atop one another for storage and/or transportation. The undulations also add rigidity to the device without adding weight to the device.

Abstract: A portable identification holder includes a base, a substantially transparent cover, a sealing member and a fastener. The cover is connected to the base to form a room therein. A card with information is received in the room and read via the cover. The sealing member is between the base and the cover surrounding the room. The fastener is provided at the base to fasten the base to a specific object.

Abstract: Index tab holders are movably mounted on top portions of file folders or data separation sheets to locate the tab holders in selected lateral locations without removing the tab holders from the file folders. Linear rails associated with the top portions of the file folders cooperate with ribs on the tab holders to mount and laterally guide the tab holders on the file folders.

Abstract: Disclosed is a simulated human form figure, such as a mannequin, which is standing on a wheeled box base, with the hands affixed to a business advertising sign positioned in the direction of passers-by such as on a sidewalk or roadway. The base box contains a battery-operated motor that is connected to the motor mounted in back of the sign so that the arms of the figure will move in a “waving” motion to automatically wave the sign without human intervention.

Abstract: A collapsible rally banner assembly includes a closed resilient loop having a folded small-diameter position with multiple turns of the loop overlapping each other, and an large-diameter display position with one continuous turn of the loop laying substantially in a plane, a flexible circular material covering having an outer circular perimeter tube that receives the loop. The covering has at least one smooth glossy surface that is adapted to be written on by a dry erasable marker and, from which the writing can be erased using a cloth. The assembly also includes a flexible pouch having side walls and an opening of a size for receiving the loop in its folded position but not in its large-diameter display position and a dry erasable marker for erasably writing on the at least one surface.

Abstract: A sign system comprises one or more box-like modules having a front section and a corresponding rear section sized to fit together in sliding engagement to define an interior cavity. The sections may be joined together with fasteners which engage the side panels of each section thereby leaving the front and rear surfaces free of discontinuities. The sign modules may be affixed to a generally planar surface or supported on internal or external mounting posts. During installation, the rear section may be mounted first and the front section subsequently attached to the rear section. In this way only approximately one-half of the total weight of the sign need be lifted and manipulated at any one time thereby facilitating installation. The interior cavity defined by the front and rear sections may accommodate lighting means for internally lighting the sign.

Abstract: A warning sign for attachment to a load bearing wall in a building, the wall having an inner supporting structure covered with an outer layer. The sign is mountable on the supporting structure of the wall before the structure is covered with the outer layer of material so that the sign is not normally visible. The sign becomes visible only on removal of the outer layer such as during renovation. The sign has a message on its side facing outwardly from the structure, when the sign is attached to the structure, to warn a person viewing the sign when the sign is visible. The message warns the viewer that the wall is a load bearing wall and that the removal of the wall could have dangerous consequences. The invention is also directed toward a load bearing wall incorporating the sign and the use of the sign in a load bearing wall.

Abstract: A flexible, scalable multiple frame topology system capable of a wide range of multiple frame geometric topologies. Specifically a series of photographs, a series of photographic letters, or any series of flat, semi-flat, or three-dimensional display objects are displayable in a wide variety of display geometries: a horizontal line of frames, multiple, stacked, horizontal lines of frames, a vertical array of frames, multiple vertical arrays of frames, staggered arrays of frames, diagonal arrays of frames, crossword arrays of frames, and any combinations thereof. Also the disclosed display method is capable of displaying three-dimensional objects on shelves, or glass display cases, shadow boxes, on hooks, interlocking into the display cases—and the geometric display can mix a number of different display frames, for instance, a series of flat framed items with a three dimensional objects at each end of the array.

Abstract: A modular firearm is disclosed. The firearm that can be configured to operate using ammunition of different calibers via interchangeability of only a few parts. The firearm includes a foldable butt stock assembly for quickly and easily converting the firearm from an extended operating configuration to a compact transport configuration, and vice-versa. Additionally, the firearm includes a modular hand guard assembly having multiple mounting platforms for accommodating a variety of different accessories.

Abstract: A revolver having a frame that defines a rectangular aperture to which a cylinder is mounted, and a laser aiming device that is mounted to the frame, rearward of the rectangular aperture. The laser aiming device is secured to the frame by a fastener that is inserted through an opening defined in a central position of the laser aiming device and into a corresponding hole formed in the frame. The alignment axis of the laser aiming device is proximate the firing axis of the revolver. The laser aiming device is light weight and lies substantially flush against the revolver, between the frame and the cylinder.

Abstract: Apparatus, assemblies, and methods for sighting objects disclosed. A sighting device includes a segmented optic and a reticle. The reticle is optically aligned with the segmented object and is magnified by the segmented optic. A body structure supports the segmented optic and the reticle to define an open sight construction. In another aspect, a sighting device includes a segmented object and reticle, where the reticle includes multiple distance indicia and a contrast component. A support structure supports the reticle and the segmented object for magnification of the distance indicia by the segmented optic. A segmented optic in a sighting device is cut above center or otherwise such that a partial optic is defined having a portion above and below center. In another aspect, a sight adjustment mechanism includes a threaded connector that adjusts the sight position based on a difference between coarseness of threads engaged with the threaded connector.

Abstract: An apparatus to project toward a tree to disburse a pheromone, comprising: a releaser removably adjacent to a capsule via an extension; whereby said releaser and said capsule are disposed adjacent to each other in a deployable state, then the releaser separates from the capsule but is still connected via said extension whereby inertia causes said releaser to move away from said capsule into an attachment state, and related methods of applying a pheromone onto a tree branch.

Abstract: A fishing lure includes a fishing lure body and a waterproof camera. The waterproof camera is operatively connected to the fishing lure body.

Abstract: A portable fishing-equipment organizer with a tubular outer frame and a mounting pane attached to the frame. At least one pouch is attached to the mounting pane, along with at least one spike-shaped rod holder that may be detachably mounted. A telescoping tripod may be attached to the frame. When the organizer is carried, the tripod may be collapsed. When the tripod is extended, the organizer may be self standing, with the pouches at a convenient height for access. The organizer may be carried by one or more shoulder straps that may have pouches attached to them.

Abstract: A composite pest barrier (10) comprising mesh sheeting (13) and a pest deterrent associated with the mesh sheeting. The mesh sheeting (13) typically comprises woven mesh sheeting. The pest deterrent comprises a pest resistant material. The pest deterrent may be associated with the mesh sheeting (13) in any suitable way. In one arrangement, the pest deterrent comprises a membrane (15) applied to the mesh sheeting, the membrane (15) carrying pest resistant material. In another arrangement, the pest deterrent comprises pest resistant material applied to the mesh sheeting (15). In yet another arrangement, the pest deterrent is incorporated into the mesh sheeting (15) itself.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating hydrogen recycle gas in a process for converting biorenewable feedstock into green diesel fuel are provided. Sponge oil is provided. Hydrogen recycle gas produced during the process is contacted with the sponge oil. The sponge oil and hydrogen recycle gas are contacted in a contact drum and propane and other light hydrocarbons from the hydrogen recycle gas are absorbed into the sponge oil producing purified recycle gas and propane-rich sponge oil. The purified recycle gas is recycled into the process and the propane-rich sponge oil is fractionated to recover propane. The sponge oil may be sour sponge oil to also sulfide a deoxygenation catalyst used in the process.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to methods, systems, and compositions for preparing a solid biomass for fast pyrolysis. The method includes contacting the solid biomass with an inorganic material present in an effective amount for increasing fast pyrolysis yield of an organic liquid product (e.g., bio-oil). In various embodiments, the inorganic material is selected from the group consisting of aluminum sulfate, aluminum nitrate, aluminum chloride, aluminum hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A process useful for treating biologically derived oils in the production of biofuels is described. A biologically derived oil feed is deoxygenated by contacting the feed with a metal titanate catalyst. The process does not require the addition of hydrogen.

Abstract: The present invention provides useful fuel compositions which may be produced substantially from renewable resources, such as biomass, to provide green fuel compositions, methods, and systems. In some embodiments, fuel compositions include dimethyl ether and one or more C2 or larger alcohol, such as ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, 1-butanol, 2-butanol, isobutanol, or tert-butanol. In some embodiments, fuel compositions include dimethyl ether and one or more C2 or larger hydrocarbons, such as propane, propylene, propyne, and propadiene, n-butane, isobutane, isobutylene, 1-butene, 2-butene, or 1,3-butadiene. Methods of making these novel DME-based fuel compositions, particularly from biomass-derived syngas, are described. Various applications and methods of using the fuel compositions, such as portable cylinder fuels for camping, are disclosed. Additionally, principles of burner design for these fuel compositions are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A scalable bioreactor and method of continuous production of algae in a controlled environment is disclosed.

Abstract: An herbicide delivery apparatus which administers an herbicide to a plant by receiving a plant member such as a stem or vine into an herbicide-filled cavity via a primary reservoir cap. The herbicide delivery apparatus may also administer an herbicide by removing a tapered reservoir cap and inserting a tapered reservoir into a cavity of a plant member such as a stump or branch. Once inserted, the herbicide may flow out of the herbicide-filled cavity and into the plant cavity.

Abstract: An over wintering method for storing mature root crops in soil in the ground in a geographic area with a seasonal climate, where the winter months are consistently below zero degrees Celsius overnight, including the steps: (a) during the fall months, positioning an impermeable material above a row of mature root crop; (b) distributing an insulating material above the impermeable material sufficient to provide an insulating layer of at least 30 centimeters in depth across the row; (c) up to six months following step (b), removing the impermeable material and the insulating material, and harvesting the root crop.

Abstract: A vase is provided comprising a top containing portion having a base, and detachable bottom portion that is removeably connected to the base of the top portion.

Abstract: Planter systems allow for the raising, lowering, holding, locking and releasing of a planter on a vertical support structure. The planter assembly may include a carriage, to which one or more planters is attached. Guides such as cables, rollers, sliders, bristles, gaskets, carpet and registration pins maintain space between the vertical support and planter assembly and facilitate raising and lowering. A tether guided over a pulley may be retracted or extended by winding it around or unwinding it from a winch, cleat or windlass to causes the planter assembly to rise or descend. When raised to a locking height, the planter assembly causes a mechanical locking mechanism associated with the planter assembly to move into a locking position, securing the planter assembly to the vertical support. Further raising releases the locking mechanism. Attachable items such as banners, flags, hangers and the like may be coupled to the carriage.

Abstract: One embodiment of a dual purpose Planting System allows for the growth of plants in an upright position and also allows for the growth of inverted or upside down plants. One embodiment of a dual purpose Planting System allows for the growth of plants in an upright position until after the plants have reached early maturity or maturity and begin to suffer the effects of gravity as a result of sheer size, legginess or vegetable growth. At this point the much larger, stronger plants—when inverted—will have greater access to sunlight or other light sources (and therefore the process of photosynthesis) as a result of the sheer size of the plant in relation to the planter and its position between the sun and the larger plant.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for managing animal waste produced in an animal breeding farm. The animal breeding farm is sealed from external atmosphere. The method includes collecting the animal waste from a plurality of animals in the animal breeding farm. The animal waste is then processed for obtaining fertilizers. The processing of the animal waste includes chemical treatment, thermal treatment, and aerobic digestion of the animal waste. The method further includes utilizing the fertilizers for growing a plurality of plants in one or more aeroponic units.

Abstract: A vertical lift, self-storing door system includes a plurality of panels supported by a first and a second single track guide rail which engages guide rollers associated with the panels. The guide rail has a vertical segment which defines a closed position of the door and a horizontal segment which defines an open, storage position for the door. When the door is closed, the individual panels are stacked in an edge-to-edge relationship so that their front faces are coplanar. When the door is in an open position, the panels hang vertically from the guide rails in a spaced apart, generally plane parallel relationship with regard to their front and rear faces. Bevels in the top and bottom edges of the panels accommodate panel motion and ensure a tight seal when the door is in a closed position, and these bevels may include connecting features such as notches or tabs.

Abstract: A panel, such as a water meter box cover or another type of meter box cover, according to which an access door is hingedly or pivotally coupled to the panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cable feed device for a flat cable, or a flat cable connection, respectively, on a vehicle door, wherein the flat cable is provided being extended between the vehicle door that can be moved relative toward a vehicle chassis and the vehicle chassis, or along a component, respectively, which is substantially firmly attached to the vehicle chassis, wherein at least one seal is disposed between the vehicle door and the vehicle chassis, or the component, respectively, and further wherein the flat cable is disposed in a feed through of the seal between the seal and the vehicle door in a closed state of the vehicle door.

Abstract: A fuel door opening/closing apparatus for a vehicle is configured to lock and release a fuel door for opening and closing an oil filling opening of the vehicle. The fuel door opening/closing apparatus for a vehicle includes a housing mounted to a hinge of a fuel door rotatably mounted to a fuel door housing, a motor installed within the housing, a locking rod configured to be moved between a locking position for locking the fuel door and a releasing position for releasing a locked state of the fuel door, and a power transmission configured to receive power of the motor, convert rotation of the motor to linear movement, and transmit the linear movement to the locking rod.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a door threshold system that includes a door threshold and a water barrier structured to be disposed along a bottom of the threshold. The water barrier is additionally structured to prevent water from penetrating a joint formed between a bottom of the threshold and a floor structure to which the threshold is mounted.

Abstract: Door systems and door hardware components are described herein, along with methods of installing the door systems and components.

Abstract: An access door according to which the access door is hingedly or pivotally coupled to a panel such as, for example, a water meter box cover or another type of meter box cover.

Abstract: An architecture is presented for a guard device that enables a homeowner to effectively prevent unwanted elements, such as rainwater, snow, yard and other debris, rodents and the like from accessing the interior of a garage and that is not easily damaged or compromised by rodents chewing or clawing at the guard. More specifically, the guard of the present invention is intended to be secured to a garage door weather seal to create a barrier in the vicinity of the intersection of the garage floor, garage door and door frame that is substantially impenetrable to chewing or clawing by rodents and that can also be used to repair existing damage to the weather seal.

Abstract: A combination sealing system and seal activation system for use with a combination of a panel and a frame includes a plurality of sealing systems and a seal activation systems. Each of the sealing systems include an anchor, at least one movable member, and an actuator. The anchor engages one of the panel and the frame, and the anchor movable from a first position to a second position towards the panel. The at least one movable member is positioned in an other of the panel and the frame and moves the anchor between the first position and the second position. The actuator is connected to the at least one movable member and drives the at least one movable member. The seal activation system is connected to each of the actuators of the plurality of sealing systems.

Abstract: A cutting fluid for processing is revealed. The cutting fluid for wafer processing includes a cutting solvent, a plurality of cutting particles and a surfactant that induces hydrogen bonding. The surfactant that induces hydrogen bonding contains amine functional groups or acid functional groups. The hydrogen-bonding-inducing surfactant is used to form intermolecular hydrogen bonding so as to improve the suspension stability of the cutting particles in the cutting fluid. The surfactant that induces hydrogen bonding will not change the properties of the cutting fluid so that the following processes will not be affected.