Abstract: An article of footwear including a dual lacing system is disclosed. The article of footwear includes a first lace and a second lace. The first lace and the second lace include portions that are interdigitated, these portions being disposed towards an entry hole of the upper. The laces also include provisions for releasably fastening to the sides of the article of footwear.

Abstract: A shoe comprising a sole and an upper composed substantially of Tyvek. The upper can be made of a single piece of Tyvek or of two more panels of Tyvek. The heel portion of the upper can also include a reinforcement of Tyvek. A piping of Tyvek can also be provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a line of athletic shoes featuring integrated sensor mechanisms, which emit a wide variety of pleasant sounds when the wearer is engaged in physical activity. Offered in all the standard shoes sizes the shoe is a standard high-top or low top sneaker shoe, made from a combination of leather and rubber materials. Positioned in the heel of the shoe is a pressure sensitive switch designed to be activated when force is applied, such as that exerted when running, jumping or otherwise engaged in physical activity. When activated, whimsical chimes or popular melodies available are played. The Shoe Expressions also includes an integrated light source such as an LED (light emitting diode) bulb which emits a brilliant flashing light when activated. Physical activity activates the Shoe Expressions, providing audible, and visual positive reinforcement which encourage participation in physical activities.

Abstract: An article of footwear, such as a boot, adapted to be removably retained on a sports apparatus, the boot including an outer sole assembly, an upper and a fastening element, the latter being adapted to cooperate with a locking mechanism, itself adapted to be affixed to the apparatus. The boot includes a connection mechanism adjustable in position, which adjustably connects the fastening element to the outer sole assembly.

Abstract: A length-adjustable snowshoe includes a frame and a carrier fixed to the frame. A connecting member is mounted to the frame and includes two receiving holes. A pivotal portion is formed on a top side of the connecting member. A compartment extends from the pivotal portion through one of the receiving holes. An extension member includes first and second legs slideably received in the receiving holes. The extension member is slideable between first and second positions. A sliding member is mounted on the extension member to move therewith. A positioning member is received in the compartment and pivotable between a stop position and a releasing position. The positioning member in the stop position retains the extension member in the first or second position or any location between the first and second positions. The extension member can slide between the first and second positions when the positioning member is in the releasing position.

Abstract: An orthotic device has a readily adjustable variable forefoot posting system. In some embodiments, a generally planar plate is pivotally coupled to a foot-receiving shell. The plate is generally under the arch and not in contact with the supporting surface when in a neutral position. Along the plate's perimeter are raised regions that can be deployed into position as a forefoot post via pivoting the plate. In some versions, adjustability is via a sliding motion. Some areas have a greater height than others do and these raised areas or protrusions can be set at either an inner side or an outer side. Depending upon the shape of the ridges on the plate and the plate's pivoted position, a range of tilts can be variability provided. The plates can be part of an interchangeable system providing more options. Professional versions can have a greater range of settings than consumer versions.

Abstract: An insert for vapor-permeable and waterproof soles, which has a monolithic sheet-like structure, made of a polymeric material that is impermeable to water in the liquid state and permeable to water vapor. At least one functional portion of the insert for soles has such a thickness as to give it a penetration resistance of more than approximately 10 N, assessed according to the method presented in chapter 5.8.2 of the ISO 20344-2004 standard.

Abstract: An insert for vapor-permeable and waterproof soles, which has a stratified and cohesive monolithic sheet-like structure, which includes a plurality of functional layers made of a polymeric material that is impermeable to water in the liquid state and permeable to water vapor. At least one functional portion of the insert for soles has such a thickness as to give it a penetration resistance of more than approximately 10 N, assessed according to the method presented in chapter 5.8.2 of the ISO 20344-2004 standard.

Abstract: A vapor-permeable shoe including an upper assembly that wraps around the foot insertion region and is associated, in its plantar region, with a sole that includes at least one vapor-permeable or perforated portion. The upper assembly includes a structural insert that includes at least one waterproof portion sealed impermeably to the sole, covering its vapor-permeable or perforated portion. The waterproof portion includes at least partly a waterproof and vapor-permeable functional element that is impermeable to water in the liquid state and is permeable to water vapor, at least one functional portion of the functional element having such a thickness as to give it a penetration resistance that is greater than approximately 10 N, assessed according to the method presented in chapter 5.8.2 of the ISO 20344-2004 standard.

Abstract: The heel tip of a heeled shoe uses rubber to reduce the noise produced when using the heeled shoe.

Abstract: A thumb for an excavator includes a base with an inner end adapted to be connected to an excavator arm and an outer end, wherein the outer end of the base includes a body mount structure. A thumb body is releasably connected to the base. The body includes an outer working portion, an inner tail portion, and a coupling or pivot portion located between the working portion and the tail portion. The coupling portion of the body is engaged with the body mount structure of the base, and the tail portion of the body is releasably secured or captured to the base so that the body is located in an operative position for use of its working portion. The tail portion of the body includes first and second spaced-apart tail members.

Abstract: A system for creating and displaying an advertising message on an cord or string, such as a head phone cord or pull string for clothing. In the preferred embodiment, the system includes a two piece construction made up of an internal gripping sleeve that attaches to the cord or string and a fixture that includes a bore for receiving the sleeve. The bore includes a foam internal surface that permits the fixture to forceably slid over the internal sleeve but also has a tendency to attach itself to the sleeve when not moved by the user. The external surface of the fixture includes a displayed message.

Abstract: An animated novelty device for mounting on a ball of a trailer hitch on a vehicle, the device including an electric motor for imparting motion to selected elements of the device. The motor is electrically connected to the vehicle braking system whereby the device is set in motion by energizing the vehicle brakes.

Abstract: A slotted picture hanger for displaying artwork has an upper containment lip and a lower containment lip joined by a shoulder to form a picture mounting slot. At the base of the shoulder and the lower containment lip are one or more pins. The edge of the artwork, which can include glazing, matte boards, pictures, backing, or other materials is placed into the picture mounting slot and secured via a pressure grip, or picture mounting fasteners. Once secured, the artwork can be displayed by pressing the pin(s) into any suitable display surface. The slotted picture hanger can be used singularly, or in various combinations to hang different weights, sizes, and shapes of artwork.

Abstract: A muzzle-loading firearm having a break-action design includes a stock, a receiver mounted to the stock, a forend pivotally mounted to the receiver and a barrel mounted to the forend. A hood is slidably attached to a top surface of the receiver in the area of a rear (i.e., breech) end of the barrel. The hood reciprocally engages and locks the barrel in a closed (i.e., firing) position. The hood also shields the area surrounding the breech end of the barrel from exhaust gas that flows therefrom.

Abstract: A firearm assembly including a first weapon having a first receiver is disclosed. The first receiver includes a front end with a barrel attached to the front end and a front sight attached to the barrel. A second weapon is selectively mounted to the first weapon and movable between an engaged and disengaged position. The second weapon includes a second receiver and a mounting system having a first portion attached to the second receiver and a second portion coupled to the second receiver. The first portion is coupled to the front sight to define a first attachment point when the second weapon is in the engaged position. The second portion includes a first end coupled to the front sight to define a second attachment point and a second end coupled to the first receiver to define a third attachment point when the second weapon is in the engaged position.

Abstract: A firearm comprising a handle piece, a firearm control means integrated into the firearm, and an interface accessible from the outside for connection to a replaceable firearm module and for transmission of information between the firearm control means and the firearm module.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mounting apparatus for attaching to a hunting weapon and supporting a recording device. The apparatus includes means for removably securing a recording device to the apparatus; a connector adapted to removeably attach the apparatus to a hunting weapon; and a flexible, elongate member being semi-rigid and having a first end affixed to the securing means and a second end affixed to the connector, whereby upon attachment of the apparatus to a hunting weapon the flexible, elongate member permits manual repositioning of the secured recording device relative to the hunting weapon while supporting the secured recording device in a set position after manual repositioning occurs.

Abstract: A sight for a handheld weapon includes an electronic component that is powered by a power source. The sight includes an electronic controller and a motion detector. When the sight is moved, the motion detector generates signals and the electronic controller receives the signals. The electronic controller determines whether power should be supplied to the electronic component based on the received signals.

Abstract: A light emission assembly for weapon sights which provides a viewable illuminated aiming indicia of substantially fixed area and uniform brightness regardless of the ambient light conditions.

Abstract: An ice fishing apparatus particularly suited to fishing in deeper waters where the ability to reel in a fish without tangling a line. The apparatus is suited to accommodate a wide variety of standard pole and reel configurations. The apparatus also has a hook setting mechanism.

Abstract: A tackle box for fishing supplies may include a top section, a bottom section being pivotably connected to the top section, and a removable tray being removable from the bottom section. The removable tray may include a tensioning device to tension a fishing line. The removable tray may include an upward extending rod to cooperate with the tensioning device, and the tensioning device may include a base and a threaded shaft which extends through an aperture of the base. The tensioning device may include a knob for turning the threaded shaft, and the tensioning device may include a finger connected to the threaded shaft. The finger may traverse to the axial direction of the threaded shaft, and the upward extending rod may include a radial groove. The top section may include a removable tray, and the removable tray may include a spool to dispense the fishing line, and the spool may rotate on a shaft.

Abstract: The Boat Buddy Portable Gear Keeper and Cup Holder is an aluminum designed boat and/or fishing gear box with hinged lid and attached cup holder. The item is designed to be portable in nature so that it may be positioned anywhere on a boat at the convenience of the boat owner. The design accommodates any type of boat with a rail or gunwale. The front of the box has an attached cork board so that fishing lures may be easily attached and kept handy for quick access. The box is primarily designed for the fisherman who moves to different areas of the boat and has the need to access the contents without having to go to a central location each time an item is needed. This keeps the fisherman from having to move around the boat and minimizes the chances of him or her from losing balance due to restricted movement.

Abstract: This invention relates to traps for flying insects, and in particular, relates to a self-supporting and re-usable trap for wasps, yellowjackets and flies. A trap for insects comprising a bag having a first generally flat collapsed configuration for storage and a second expanded configuration for operation thereby forming an internal chamber for trapping insects. The bag includes a first side wall and a second opposite the side wall and at least one entry portal for insects, said first circular entry portal penetrating said first side wall and communicating with the chamber. The trap can include a suitable attractant for attracting insects to the entry portal.

Abstract: An insect trap (100) includes an entrapment chamber (110) with an entry structure (140) over one open end. The entry structure includes (i) a lid (142) with a central aperture (144) and one or more peripheral apertures (146); (ii) a tapered guide (150) on one side of the lid, and (iii) a port fixture (160) that extends through the central aperture and engages the tapered guide. The port fixture includes one or more tubular ports (168) that extend through the peripheral apertures, and one or more cartridges (170) that are removably inserted into the tubular ports. The cartridges contain attractant that is exposed to the interior of the attractant chamber when the trap is assembled. The cartridges may be replaced to replenish or replace attractant without removing the entry structure.

Abstract: Various embodiments of bed bugs detectors are shown having a housing with a first sloped surface and a second sloped surface. The first sloped surface can be disposed about at least part of an exterior of the housing, and the second sloped surface can be disposed to define a perimeter of a trap. The detector can include one or more lures that are configured to attract bed bugs. The first slope surface can have one or more channels configured to direct a flow of carbon dioxide to an exterior of the detector.

Abstract: Fuel compositions exhibiting reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, based on a lifecycle assessment from the time of cultivation of feedstocks (in the case of plant materials) or extraction of feedstocks (in the case of fossil fuels) required for the compositions (up to and including the ultimate combustion of the fuel composition by the end user) are disclosed. The reduced level of emissions (“carbon footprint”) is achieved by incorporating a pyrolysis derived component having a higher heating value than ethanol and meeting other applicable standards for fossil fuel (e.g., petroleum) derived components conventionally used for the same purpose, such as transportation fuels. Advantageously, fuel compositions comprising pyrolysis derived gasoline can exhibit lower GHG emissions than gasoline derived solely from petroleum, or even conventional blends of petroleum derived gasoline and ethanol.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for producing a biofuel while minimizing fossil fuel derived carbon dioxide emissions. The process can include providing a renewable feed to an ester degradation zone to produce a first stream including one or more alcohols and a second stream including one or more acids, providing the first stream to a treatment zone for removing one or more salts and to obtain a treated stream, providing the treated stream to a reforming zone to obtain an effluent including hydrogen, and providing the second stream and at least a portion of the effluent to a refining zone for producing the biofuel.

Abstract: Processes to produce biofuels from biomass is provided where the biomass is contacted with an aqueous media to form a extracted biomass and at least a portion of an aqueous liquor separated from the extracted biomass containing soluble carbohydrate is treated with a purification substrate to form a treated carbohydrate stream having less than 35% of the sulfur content and less than 35% of the nitrogen content, based on the untreated aqueous liquor stream prior to contact with a hydrogenolysis catalyst to form a plurality of oxygenated intermediates that can be further processed to form a liquid fuel. An extracted biomass solids stream is also separated from the extracted biomass which is contacted with a first digestive solvent to form a pretreated biomass and then a second digestive solvent to form a solubilized pulp comprising soluble carbohydrates.

Abstract: Biomass conversion systems may incorporate integrated heat management to operate more efficiently during biomass conversion. Biomass conversion systems may comprise a first fluid circulation loop comprising a hydrothermal digestion unit, and a first catalytic reduction reactor unit in fluid communication with an inlet and an outlet of the hydrothermal digestion unit; and a second fluid circulation loop comprising a reaction product take-off line in fluid communication with the first fluid circulation loop, a second catalytic reduction reactor unit in fluid communication with the reaction product take-off line, and a recycle line establishing fluid communication between the first fluid circulation loop and an outlet of the second catalytic reduction reactor unit, where the first catalytic reduction reactor unit contains at least one first catalyst and the second catalytic reduction reactor unit contains at least one second catalyst, each being capable of activating molecular hydrogen.

Abstract: Methods for making a fuel composition comprising contacting one or more components of a hydroprocessing feedstock, for example both a fatty acid- or triglyceride-containing component and a paraffin-rich component, with hydrogen under catalytic hydroprocessing conditions are disclosed. The methods are effective to upgrade the component(s) and provide a hydroprocessed biofuel. A representative method utilizes a single-stage process in which hydrogen-containing recycle gas is circulated through both a hydrodeoxygenation zone and a hydrocracking zone in series.

Abstract: A process for catalytically cracking aquatic microbial biomass is provided. Aquatic microbial biomass is catalytically cracked over a cracking catalyst at a temperature of at least 450° C. to obtain a product stream. At least one hydrocarbon fraction is separated from the product stream.

Abstract: Disclosed are polyisobutenyl alcohols and substituted polyisobuentyl alcohols of the formula: wherein n is an integer from 5 to 90, R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, haloalkyl, alkoxycarbonyl and substituted aryl wherein at least one substituent group of the substituted aryl is selected from cyano, nitro and alkoxycarbonyl.

Abstract: A process for catalytic cracking of a lipid-containing feedstock is provided. The lipid-containing feedstock contains lipids derived from microalgae and a hydrocarbon feedstock. The lipid-containing feedstock is contacted with at least one cracking catalyst at a temperature of at least 450° C., to obtain a product stream; and separating at least one hydrocarbon fraction from the product stream.

Abstract: A process for catalytic cracking of a lipid-containing feedstock is provided. The lipid-containing feedstock contains lipids derived from a diatomic microalgae species. The lipid-containing feedstock is contacted with at least one cracking catalyst at a temperature of at least 450° C., to obtain a product stream; and separating at least one hydrocarbon fraction from the product stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a genetically modified Acinetobacter host for lipid production. The Acinetobacter host has been genetically modified to be deficient of one or more of genes A) a gene encoding fatty acyl-CoA reductase (EC1.2.1.n2), wherein said host is capable of increased production of TAGs and/or of total lipids compared to the parent host; and/or B) a gene encoding lipase (EC:3.1.1.3), a gene encoding pyruvate dehydrogenase (EC:1.2.2.2), and/or gene ACIAD 2177, or functional equivalents of any of said genes, wherein said host is capable of increased production of wax esters and/or total lipids compared to the parent host.

Abstract: Methods for pyrolyzing asphaltene material includes providing a composition including from 50 to 90 wt % asphaltene material and from 50 to 10 wt % inert material, and pyrolyzing the composition. The presence of the inert material can help to ensure that the asphaltene material does not interfere with the pyrolyzing process and equipment. Method of forming asphaltene pellets can also be used in order to improve asphaltene pyrolysis.

Abstract: A methodology for the removal of the harmful components of the ash of biomass of agro/forest/urban origin and of low-quality coal fuels, as peat, lignite, sub-bituminous and bituminous coals, is invented. The harmful components are alkaline metals, chlorine and sulphur. They are removed before the thermochemical conversion in order to prevent or minimise the corrosion, scaling/deposition, ash agglomeration problems, as well as the alkaline metal, chlorine, sulphur emissions. Furthermore, it aims in the production of materials of low moisture content, low hygroscopicity, which can be easily ground, and mixed with various other materials, easily fed to commercial boilers for energy production, which can be easily pelletised with or without other materials at various proportions and with very low energy requirements. The removal is achieved with pre-pyrolysis/pre-gasification at 250-320° C.

Abstract: A tree guard having an adjustable circumference is made up of a plurality of adjacent arcuate panels having opposite longitudinal edge portions adapted to receive fastener assemblies that connect the adjacent arcuate panels to one another. Each arcuate panel has an upstanding or upper portion that is positioned next to the tree trunk and a unitary, outwardly flared skirt portion that depends downwardly from the upper portion.

Abstract: A tree stand is described including a fluid reservoir of a tree retaining member including tree gripping means. The gripping means comprises projections arranged on an interior surface of the tree retaining member and extending in a radial fashion, inwardly from the interior surface of the tree retaining member. The projections run substantially axially within the tree retaining member and include a sharp or pointed portion to at least partially penetrate the trunk of a tree inserted into the tree retaining member. The tree retaining member is configured to hold a tree inserted therein by resisting lifting of a tree inserted therein relative to the tree stand, without using moveable mechanical means comprising screws or bolts. The tree retaining member is connected to a base. The tree stand also includes strengthening means configured between the fluid reservoir and the tree retaining member. The strengthening means comprises hollow ribs.

Abstract: A receptacle for growing a plant or plants by submerging the roots in a solution. The receptacle is novel and useful yet unobvious because it employs a unique method for verifying the solution level via a transparent section or sections which is more rapid, leak free, and preventative of microorganism growth, yet, permits for the necessary aeration and evaporation control. The remainder of the receptacle is opaque to prevent an undesirable amount of light from penetrating the receptacle.

Abstract: A gasifier includes a gasification chamber including an annular chamber wall with a top opening for introducing fuel into the gasification chamber. A restricted bottom outlet section of the gasification chamber has inwardly angled wedge walls encouraging a mass flow rather than a funnel-flow of fuel through the gasifier.

Abstract: A method for operating a hatch arrangement of a motor vehicle is provided. The hatch arrangement has a hatch leaf with a hatch drive associated with the hatch leaf, and a hatch controller, with, amongst other things, a motor-operated closing process triggered by the hatch controller. The hatch arrangement has a motor vehicle lock, it being possible to reverse the hatch leaf starting from an opening and/or closing process in a motor-operated reversing process in a manner triggered by the hatch controller. As part of a reversing process which is initiated starting from a closing process, the motor vehicle lock and possibly the hatch drive is or are actuated, at least in phases as a function of the lock state, in such a way that engagement in a retaining manner between the motor vehicle lock and the lock striker or the like is avoided or released during the reversing operation.

Abstract: Door arrangement, more particularly a sliding door arrangement of an automatic door of an elevator or of a building, which comprises a door panel, and a guide arrangement for controlling the path of movement of the door panel, which guide arrangement comprises at least one guide connected to the aforementioned door panel, and a guide rail, closely along which the aforementioned guide is arranged to move, and from which guide rail the guide takes lateral support force with respect to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail. The guide comprises a first guide roll for taking the support force from the guide surface of the guide rail on the side of a first side of the guide, and a second guide roll for taking support force from the guide surface of the guide rail on the side of a second side of the guide.

Abstract: A glass run includes an upper side portion, a front vertical portion, a rear vertical portion, a front corner portion, a rear corner portion and an ornamental molding portion. An upper end of the molding portion is integrally jointed to the rear corner portion, and a lower end of the ornamental molding portion extends obliquely so as to be positioned frontwardly of the rear corner portion. The ornamental molding portion includes a base part and an ornamental lip part. The base part and the ornamental lip part hold a tip end of an outer panel of the door frame. The ornamental lip part is formed such that an upper end thereof is formed continuously with an outer cover lip of the rear corner portion, and a lower end thereof contacts an outer weather strip.

Abstract: A seal for use with a vehicle door is provided, the seal preferably used as a secondary or tertiary seal to provide additional passenger cabin sound isolation and weather proofing. The seal is attached to a seam within the door jamb, the seal formed by coupling a central body panel flange to a rear quarter panel flange.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method for preparing rotomoulded articles having asymmetrical layering.

Abstract: A café door having a beam and a panel where the beam contains an oscillator and the beam is secured to the door panel.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an abrasive compact includes ultra-hard particles which are sintered, bonded, or otherwise consolidated into a solid body. The compact also includes various physical characteristics having a continuous gradient, a multiaxial gradient, or multiple independent gradients.

Abstract: The disclosure provides to a PDC element protective system including a mask configured to protect a non-leached portion of a leached polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) element during a leaching process. The mask may be formed from or coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The disclosure also provides a leaching system containing such a mask and a leaching vessel as well as methods of using the protective and leaching systems. The disclosure further provides a Lewis acid-based leaching agent and methods of its use. Finally, the disclosure provides a method of recycling a PDC or carbide element using a Lewis acid-based leaching agent.