Abstract: The present invention is a cover that protects footwear from the weather elements without interfering with the functionality of such footwear. The waterproof cover fits the footwear by the sides, rear and front without covering the lower sole of the footwear. The waterproof cover extends to the ankle of the user. The cover for footwear adheres to the footwear with a double-side adhesive tape located on the inner perimeter of the waterproof cover. The double-side adhesive tape has a removable liner that protects the tape before the use. The liner should be removed prior to adhering to the footwear. The cover for footwear adapts and adjusts to any size of footwear.

Abstract: A plow edge having improved durability and performance is provided which can comprise an elastomeric material, for example, a styrene elastomeric material. The present disclosure provides a plow blade edge system for mounting to a mold board of a plow comprising an adapter blade, at least two elastomeric blade segments wherein each segment is selectively reversible to present first and second edges; a clamp bar wherein the clamp bar is mounted to the adapter blade with the at least two elastomeric blade segments secured therebetween; and, each of the at least two elastomeric blade segments secured selectively in a first position or a second position.

Abstract: A snubber for a mining shovel including a dipper body and a dipper door rotatably coupled to the dipper body. The snubber includes a housing having an internal wall defining a fluid-filled chamber, a shaft rotatably coupled to the housing and including a portion positioned within the chamber, a paddle positioned within the chamber, a dam positioned within the chamber, a first valve, and a second valve. Rotation of the dipper door relative to the dipper body causes rotation of the shaft relative to the housing. The paddle is coupled to the shaft such that the paddle rotates with the shaft. The dam and paddle substantially partition the internal chamber into a first portion and a second portion. The first valve controls fluid flow from the first chamber to the second chamber, and the second valve controls fluid flow from the second chamber to the first chamber.

Abstract: A lock assembly for an excavator wear assembly, the lock assembly a locking pin having at least one dowel extending outwardly therefrom. The lock assembly also includes a retaining member having a seat and a cavity and a biasing member located within the cavity of the retaining member. The biasing member is adapted to exert a biasing force on the dowel to releasably retain the dowel within the seat of the retaining member.

Abstract: A wear assembly having an adaptor with a spigot portion is disclosed. The spigot portion has a transverse dimension. The wear assembly also has a wear member releasably mountable on the adaptor. The wear member has a body with a socket cavity and the socket cavity is adapted to receive the spigot portion of the adaptor. The wear member also has a pair of mounting ears extending from the body. Each of the mounting ears has a transverse dimension. The transverse dimension of each mounting ear is in the range 0.25 to 0.4 of the transverse dimension of the spigot portion.

Abstract: A tagging apparatus includes a luggage tag which has a flap member which is mounted on a base member. The flap member has a first end permanently connected to the base member and a second end removably connected to the base member. A space is formed between a portion of the base member and the base member enabling a flexible luggage belt to pass through the space thereby attaching the luggage tag to the luggage belt.

Abstract: A combination gift card holder and message delivery package facilitates the identification of a gift card contained within the package while presenting the recipient with an accompanying message prior to fully revealing the gift card. In two embodiments of the package includes first, second and third panels. The first and second panels are connected with one another along a common edge and are pivotable with respect to each other. Similarly, the third panel and the second panel are connected with one another along a common edge. On both embodiments the second and third panels have cutouts therein. The gift card is positioned in the package between the second and third panels thereby exposing a portion of a front surface of the gift card through the cutout in the third panel and exposing a portion of a rear surface of the gift card through the cutout in the second panel. In this way, the package at least partially conceals the gift card while exposing an identification marking thereon.

Abstract: Display devices for a cord are provided. The display device has a display surface for displaying a message or idea. The display surface can be sized, shaped and colored to display the message. Text or images can be applied to the display surface. A notch formed in the display device is sized for selective attachment to the cord of an electronic device such as a computer, MP3 player, or cellphone.

Abstract: A system for presenting color and design combinations is provided. The system includes first substrate having at least two sections. Each section of the first substrate includes visual representations of physical items representative of a particular style category such that the style category of one section is different from the style category of another section. Each section of the first substrate includes at least one transparent area. The system also includes second substrate having at least two sections. Each section of the second substrate includes at least two colors representative of a particular color category such that the color category of one second substrate section is different from the color category of another second substrate section. The first substrate overlays the second substrate such that colors of one of the second substrate sections can be viewed through the transparent area of one of the first substrate sections.

Abstract: A rescue locator signal is provided that includes a central member with a first arm extending therefrom in a first direction. A second arm extends from the central member in a second direction that is completely opposite to the first direction, and a third arm extends from the central member in a third direction. A fourth arm extends from the central member in a fourth direction that is completely opposite to the third direction. A plurality of reflective members are located on upper surfaces of the first arm, second arm, third arm, and fourth arm.

Abstract: A backlit logo device includes an elongated light guiding member and two sources. The two light sources are arranged at opposite ends of the light guiding member. The light guiding member includes a display surface. The display surface includes a transparent logo so light from the light sources passes through the logo. The light guiding member further includes a light reflecting surface opposite to the display surface. The light reflecting surface includes a plurality of light diffusing portions formed in a middle portion of light reflecting surface. The light diffusing portions are configured to diffusely reflect the light from the light sources to the display surface.

Abstract: A presentation banner system is provided which allows multiple banners to be provided side by side to provide a continuous display without gaps between adjacent banners. The banner is stored in a roller in a container the container being longer than the roller and the banner being the same length as the container and the ends of the container are provided with means for attachment of neighbouring containers to each other.

Abstract: A picture frame moulding according to one embodiment includes an elongated body that has an exterior wall, a first channel formed therein for receiving a first member, and a second channel formed therein for receiving a second member. The first and second channels are at least substantially parallel to one another. The elongated body also includes an interior angled wall that is joined to the exterior wall and is formed at an angle thereto. The interior angled wall includes a track that receives an object, such as matboard. The track faces away from the exterior wall and is formed between and at an angle to the first and second channels.

Abstract: A picture frame wall bracket includes a first component for secure attachment to a rear face of a picture frame. The first component has a pair of side walls that define an open slot formed therebetween. The bracket also includes a second component for secure attachment to a support surface. The second component has a first section for placement against the support surface and a second section that extends outwardly from the first section. The second component includes a retaining element joined to the second section. The retaining element is configured to be received within the open slot formed in the first component and be securely captured within the first component by seating against the side walls and thereby mount the picture frame to the second component and space the picture frame from the support surface.

Abstract: A depth enhancing artwork mounting base wherein the size and shape of an artwork mounting face in conjunction with the size, shape, and texturing of an integrated depth enhancing face enhances the depth perception of the two dimension art work.

Abstract: A backboard for use with a display case or picture frame is formed to include an integrated hanger structure for displaying an article of clothing. The backboard includes a substrate that includes a top edge. The substrate has a first section and a second section that extends outwardly away from one edge of the first section. The second section is pivotally attached to the first section to allow at least a portion of the second section to overlie the first section. The second section includes a cross-bar that is configured to be received within and support the article of clothing to allow display thereof.

Abstract: A recoil-reducing stock assembly for an autoloading shotgun or rifle that includes a receiver with a rear face and a spring tube extending rearwardly from the receiver rear face is described. The assembly includes a pistol grip against the receiver rear face having a spring tube bore; a stock having a spring tube recess and a connector tube cavity; a connector tube with a bore attachable at selected positions to the stock within the connector tube cavity; a tubular conduit slidably inserted over the spring tube and slidable and non-rotatable within the connector tube bore, the tubular conduit having a front end non-rotatably attached to the pistol grip; and a compressible spring inserted over the front tubular conduit and between the connector tube and the pistol grip to buffer recoil.

Abstract: An insert assembly for a weapon is disclosed. The weapon may be a rifle, such as an M4 carbine. The insert assembly is configured to support a bolt while the bolt moves during recharging and firing cycles. The insert may be configured to continuously press on an upper receiver when the rifle is assembled. These features improve shooting accuracy of the rifle by minimizing and/or making consistent movements of the rifle's internal components (i.e., there is less wobbling of the components with respect to each other). The insert assembly may include a support plate and a hollow protrusion rigidly attached to the plate. A piston and a spring are inserted into the protrusion. The piston slides within the protrusion and is pushed against the bolt of the rifle by the spring.

Abstract: A holster for a firearm magazine is provided. The holster includes a base configured for being secured to a proximally positioned article and a shield carried by the base and defining a void therein for receiving a magazine. The shield has a first position in which the shield encases the magazine and a second position in which the shield does not encase the magazine thereby allowing for ease of access to the magazine for firearm reloading.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning a sighting device mounted on a firearm. The apparatus has a first indicating device adapted to be positioned on a surface of the firearm to determine a rotational position of the firearm relative to a reference plane and a second indicating device adapted to be positioned on a surface of the sighting device to determine a rotational position of the sighting device relative to the reference plane.

Abstract: A fish release device is claimed, comprising a spring-loaded set of opposing members with tip portions capable of retaining the lip of a fish suffering from barotrauma to a depth sufficient to reverse the effects of barotrauma prior to releasing the fish. The opposing members cross over each other such that the jaws can be temporarily opened merely by tugging upward on the line attached to the device. Once the jaws are opened, the fish normally swims away rapidly, before the jaws close again. The device is small, compact, and can be used with a variety of fish species and sizes.

Abstract: A fishing protector and a method for use of the fishing protector at or near the sea bed by long-line fishing is provided to avoid that the catch is eaten by sea mammal when the line with the catch is hauled into a fishing boat. A gliding stopper is fastened at the termination of the line and thereafter the fishing protector is hooked on the line during the setting out of the line such that the line passes through the fishing protector. By hauling of the line the line is passing through the fishing protector and the catch is hooked off inside the fishing protector. An opening and closing mechanism at a first termination of the fishing protector closes the opening through which the fish passed, avoiding fish to escape.

Abstract: A rod and reel assembly for deep water fishing. The rod employs a structure that eliminates the need for line guides along the length of the structure by use of a swivel guide that maintains the line between two rod members. The swivel roller is placed at the distal end of the structure allowing fishing line deployed from a mounted reel to the swivel roller to pass unobstructed through the structure. Also disclosed is an electric reel that includes a cantilever spool having an enlarged interior allowing hand control of free spooling. A two stage drag system employs a first set of springs to allow hands free spooling with minimal drag and a second set of springs for proper setting for the fish hauling.

Abstract: A structure to hide feeding stuffs inside a false fish, whereof a chamber is provided at a proper location inside the false fish and several slots are installed inside the said chamber whose space is inset into by a container, the said container is installed with seeping holes and is installed with elastic locking pieces at its peripheral edge. When the container is inset into the chamber, the locking pieces are inserted into the said slots for positioning the container, so that feeding stuffs can be loaded inside the said container to drip slowly into the water through the seeping holes to attract fishes gathering so as to achieve the effect of seducing fishes to the hooks.

Abstract: A metal fishing lure having the appearance, action and small electrical charge of an injured bait fish. The front portion is planar but the rear portion is curved, the curve characterized by a transverse bend and a slight twist about the longitudinal axis. The lure is precisely balanced so that, when pulled through the water, the twist causes the lure to roll x times clockwise, winding up the leader, whereupon the bend and the weight of the lure cause the leader to unwind then wind up counter-clockwise, so that the lure rolls counter-clockwise, settling into a reverses roll action of 2x rolls in one direction, then 2x rolls in the opposite direction, repeated indefinitely. This realistic action induces game fish to strike in a reaction bite.

Abstract: A device for timed release of a bait. The device comprises an enclosure with a release portion of the enclosure being movable between a closed position for enclosing the bait therein and an open position for exposing the bait. An actuating mechanism is connected to the enclosure for moving the release portion of the enclosure from the closed position to the open position. A timing mechanism is connected to at least one of the enclosure and the actuating mechanism. The timing mechanism triggers the movement of the release portion of the enclosure from the closed position to the open position after elapse of a predetermined time interval.

Abstract: A single use, hermetically sealing mousetrap has an enclosure accessible through a rotatably mounted door controlled by a spring-loaded door opening gear mechanism. Inside the enclosure is a spring-actuated setting axle/kill bar and setting bar combination that is movable between a kill position and a set position by manipulation of a setting handle positioned outside the enclosure. When in the set position, the door opening gear mechanism opens the door and tensions a torsional door spring. When the trap is tripped, the kill bar moves rapidly to the kill position which releases the door opening gear mechanism and allows the door spring to close the door and hermetically seal the trap with the dead mouse inside.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for thermochemically transforming biomass or other oxygenated feedstocks into high quality liquid hydrocarbon fuels. In particular, a catalytic hydropyrolysis reactor, containing a deep bed of fluidized catalyst particles is utilized to accept particles of biomass or other oxygenated feedstocks that are significantly smaller than the particles of catalyst in the fluidized bed. The reactor features an insert or other structure disposed within the reactor vessel that inhibits slugging of the bed and thereby minimizes attrition of the catalyst. Within the bed, the biomass feedstock is converted into a vapor-phase product, containing hydrocarbon molecules and other process vapors, and an entrained solid char product, which is separated from the vapor stream after the vapor stream has been exhausted from the top of the reactor.

Abstract: A process and system for separating a light fraction, a bio-distillate fraction, and a heavy fraction from a bio-oil, and for producing a renewable distillate including at least in part the bio-distillate fraction and a stabilizing additive, is provided. The process comprises separating bio-oil into light, bio-distillate, and heavy fractions based on their boiling points. At least a portion of the bio-distillate fraction and a stabilizing additive are blended with a petroleum-derived-diesel-range stream, without any prior hydrotreatment, to thereby provide a renewable distillate composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for catalytically converting material of biological origin into hydrocarbons useful as fuel components. The process includes hydrodeoxygenation and isomerisation of the material. The present invention relates also to a reactor and an apparatus suitable for use in the process.

Abstract: Systems are disclosed for direct conversion of a used or waste material into a burnable fuel and to burnable fuels derived therefrom.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are provided that include one or more modular planter curbs, wherein each modular planter curb includes a concrete unit that has a back side that is substantially upright, that has a front side that tapers from a wider lower portion to a narrower upper portion, and that has a height not exceeding 24 inches. The concrete unit may include precast concrete, cast stone, and/or precast stone. Each modular planter curb also may include connector points, and connector hardware may be used to interconnect the plurality of modular planter curbs at the connector points. In some embodiments, a modular planter curb may be selected from the group comprising a bench curb, a backrest curb, a daybed curb, a transition curb, a straight curb, a curved curb, an annular arc curb, and a full annular curb. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A system for dispersing water to the root zone of one or more plants beneath the soil's surface, comprising a perforated hollow cylindrical tube, ending in a spike, with an internal filter, which is driven into the ground to deliver water to the root zone of a plant or plants is disclosed.

Abstract: An automated gravimetric screening system and method controls soil moisture in a plurality of potted plants to perform water deficit experiments in a greenhouse using a stationary support platform and pot design that maintains the plants in a static location during the testing. By weighing and re-watering the pots from beneath the platform, the present system and method permits an upper gantry to capture high resolution images, temperature data, or other sensor data to quantify the plant stress level or plant canopy characteristics during the experiment.

Abstract: A planter for holding a plant includes a container having an open upper end. The container has side walls extending downward from the upper end and tapering inward to a lower end. A base at the lower end of the container has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the upper end. A circumferential ring surrounds the lower end of the container. The circumferential ring has an upper edge that extends outward from the container by a distance such that removal of the container and ring from a mold as a single unit would be inhibited. Accordingly, the container and the circumferential ring are molded from a thermoplastic material as separate components. The circumferential ring fits around the lower end of the container and is held in place by a mechanical interlock between the container and the ring.

Abstract: A vegetation element for greening artificial surfaces having low and/or high plants. The vegetation element has a support that can be penetrated by roots, a lower layer of compressed soil, and substrate as fertile ground for the low and/or high plants. The vegetation element can be peeled by machine and can be rolled up. In the vegetation element, a film that can be penetrated by roots is arranged on the layer of compressed soil, and the support is laid on the film. A substrate layer is arranged on the support, and plant material of the low and/or high plants that is capable of germination is introduced into the substrate layer. The forming roots of the low and/or high plants extend and are anchored in the substrate layer, extending through the support and the film and into the lower layer composed of compressed soil.

Abstract: A construction element covered with vegetation for horizontal, pitched and/or vertical surfaces of structures. The construction element has a lower base plate, which is embodied as an insulating board, and an upper vegetation layer with shorter and/or taller plants. A plant adhesive layer is arranged between the insulating board and the vegetation layer. A layer of a material that renders possible plant growth for shorter and/or taller plants is adhered on the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is embodied in a non-vapor retardant manner so that it is permeable for water vapor.

Abstract: A modular unit, system and method include a base layer having a plurality of reservoirs configured to prevent water flow through a lower portion, the lower portion for contacting a support surface, and having interlocking portions configured to interlock adjacent base layers when installed. A water permeable layer is disposed over the base layer. A detachable wall is mountable on the base layer to contain planting media. The water permeable layer may include a water-holding capillary fabric mat layer with entangled filaments.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the growth of an organism includes a parameter control system, a remote control center, a control box, at least one environment-regulating device and at least one sensor. The parameter control system is stored with a plurality of operation modes, and environmental parameters that correspond to the respective operation modes and govern a variety of growth conditions for different species of organisms. The apparatus can automatically change the environmental conditions from one state to another, so as to meet the user's requirements and enhance the productivity without being limited by the ambient conditions.

Abstract: A system may include a motor, a control module, and a sensor. The motor may be adapted to drivingly engage a drive mechanism for moving a door between an open position and a closed position. The control module may be in communication with the motor and operable to control operation of the motor. The sensor may be in communication with the control module. The sensor may be operable to detect a substance within a space and send a first signal to the control module indicative of a predetermined level of the substance within the space. The control module may cause the motor to drive the drive mechanism in a direction that causes the door to move from the closed position to the open position in response to receiving the first signal from the first sensor.

Abstract: A linear actuator particularly for sliding doors and for sliding door or window closure elements in general, comprising a box-like body, to be fixed with corresponding elements of fixing between the two jambs of a door or of a window or door frame, in order to move a leaf by translational motion, fixed drive elements being accommodated within the box-like body which are adapted to move corresponding transmission elements which are associated with the leaf. The elements of fixing the box-like body are adjustable and self-adapting.

Abstract: A linear actuator particularly for sliding doors and for sliding door or window closure elements in general, comprising a box-like body, to be fixed with corresponding elements of fixing between the two jambs of a door or of a window or door frame, in order to move a leaf by translational motion, fixed drive elements being accommodated within the box-like body which are adapted to move corresponding transmission elements which are associated with the leaf. The box-like body is telescopic in structure in order to be adapted in length to the width of the space of the door, or other window or door frame, with which it is intended to be used.

Abstract: A retention clip for a movable partition includes a top portion and a base portion. The top portion includes an elongated member having a top surface and a bottom surface. The base portion includes an elongated member having a front surface, a back surface, and a side surface. The base portion further includes an extended side portion extending at an angle relative the front surface. A related movable partition system includes a plurality of interconnected panels, a first retention clip and a second retention clip connected to one of the plurality of interconnected panels proximate a first interface and a second interface. A related method for restricting relative movement of adjacent panels of a movable partition includes connecting a first retention clip and a second retention clip each having an extended side portion extending at an angle from a base portion proximate an interface between a pair of adjacent panels.

Abstract: A seal that includes a hollow bulb that defines an interior space, and further includes at least one solid divider wall located in the interior space in order to divide the interior space so that it includes at least a first chamber and a second chamber, where the first and second chambers are not in fluid communication with one another. In some preferred embodiments: (i) the interior wall is generally V-Shaped in transverse cross-section; (ii) the first chamber is generally triangular in transverse cross-section; and (iii) the second chamber is generally U-shaped in transverse cross-section. Some preferred embodiments further include a seal base (for example, a T-shaped base), with the hollow bulb being mechanically connected to the base at the bottom of the T-shape so that an open end of the V-shaped interior wall is oriented to directly face the seal base. In some preferred embodiments, the first and second chambers are hollow.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to a sealing system for sealing the periphery of a door relative to a frame. The sealing system includes a multi point finger seal having at least three fingers of differing height and spacing so that a first finger may contact the door and contact of the first finger and second finger is precluded. A second finger is sized and spaced from a third finger so that a free edge of the second finger abuts the base of the third finger. A security seal is located at the bottom of the door and includes a security flap biased into the door, wherein a cam on the frame engages the flap upon closure of the door to urge the security flap toward the floor. The seal includes one or more perforations therein, causing the seal to breakaway and into pieces if removal is attempted.

Abstract: In one example, a method for producing a cutting device matrix includes mixing a plurality of constituent matrix materials using a resonant acoustic mixing process until the constituent matrix materials are substantially homogeneously distributed throughout the matrix.

Abstract: Superabrasive tools and methods for the making thereof are disclosed and described. In one aspect, superabrasive particles are chemically bonded to a matrix support material according to a predetermined pattern by a braze alloy. The brazing alloy may be provided as a powder, thin sheet, or sheet of amorphous alloy. A template having a plurality of apertures arranged in a predetermined pattern may be used to place the superabrasive particles on a given substrate or matrix support material.

Abstract: A hybrid geodesic structure includes a core structure and a geodesic shell surrounding the core structure. The core structure extends from a base at a center of the geodesic shell through an upper extent of the geodesic shell opposite to the base. The core structure supports the geodesic shell at an upper extent and includes a roof.

Abstract: A portable surface anchor is presented. Such portable surface anchor is able to be transported to various and difficult geographical areas, placed on the surface and able to provide support for vertically elevated objects.

Abstract: A damper has two sets of first elongate members, second elongate members that are connected so that they can rotate and that connect the first elongate members to one another, and damping members which attenuate the relative movement between the first elongate members and the second elongate members. The respective first joints of each of the first members are connected to the first connection members and the second connection members so that they can rotate. The first joint of the first elongate member, the first joints of the other first elongate members, and each of the second joints are located along the common axes.