Abstract: The present invention relates to a waterproof sole with high air and vapor permeability including an upper layer made of breathable and waterproof material, a lower layer made of breathable and waterproof material, a shaped supporting layer made of rubber-like material between the upper layer and lower layer, and an outsole layer made of rubber-like material below the lower layer. A hollow space and a plurality of through-holes are connected to the bottom surface of the upper layer. A plurality of supporting projections are provided at the bottom surface of the supporting layer. An outsole layer made of rubber-like material below the lower layer, a plurality of through-holes and the inter-connected horizontal channels are provided in the outsole layer.

Abstract: A foot has a medial side, a lateral side, a sustentaculum tali, a lateral calcaneus, a fifth metatarsal ray and a forefoot. The support system for a foot comprises of the following. A first portion configured to support an underside portion of the sustentaculum tali at or below the sustentaculum tali on the medial side of the foot to provide a force on the sustentaculum tali. A second portion configured to support the lateral calcaneus on the lateral side of the foot. A third portion configured to support the fifth metatarsal ray on the lateral side of the foot.

Abstract: A foot has a medial side, a lateral side, a sustentaculum tali, a lateral calcaneus, a fifth metatarsal ray and a forefoot. The support system for a foot comprises of a base. A first projection configured to support the sustentaculum tali on the medial side and, in use, to provide a force on the sustentaculum tali. A second projection configured to support the lateral calcaneus on the lateral side of the foot. A third projection configured to support the fifth metatarsal ray on the lateral side of the foot. The first, second and third projections extend, in use, upwardly from the base, and the first and second projections define an approximated U-shape with inwardly arching sidewalls.

Abstract: A foot has a medial side, a lateral side, a sustentaculum tali, a lateral calcaneus, a fifth metatarsal ray, a forefoot and an anatomical midline. A shoe last comprises an upper and a sole unit of a shoe for a foot are assembled. The last comprises a form defining a foot compartment for orienting a foot. A shoe formed around the form has a support includes the following. A first portion configured to support the sustentaculum tali on the medial side of the foot for providing an upward and outward force on the on the sustentaculum tali. A second portion configured to support the lateral calcaneus on the lateral side of the foot. A third portion configured to support the fifth metatarsal ray on the lateral side of the foot.

Abstract: A golf shoe is disclosed comprising an upper portion coupled to a sole. The upper portion of the shoe is sized to receive a foot. The sole may have a front portion and a rear portion. The rear portion may have an elevation that is greater than the elevation of the front portion such that, when worn by a golfer, the heel of the foot is elevated above the toes of the foot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe comprising a part (1) for retaining the sole (3) under the foot (2), said part being rigid and bent, and the upper portion (11) of which extends over the top of the foot (2), the central portion (12) of which passes between the toes, and the lower portion (13) of which is attached to the sole (3), characterized in that the retaining part consists of at least two elements which can slide relative to one another and be retained in the selected position, one of the elements comprising the upper portion (11) and the other element comprising the lower portion (13).

Abstract: A sole system which allows plantarflexion and dorsiflexion in the running/walking gait; provides a mechanical advantage through articulation of the forefoot to stimulate an upward plantar moment force during toe-off; and increases the distance per step without altering the stride pattern. An embodiment of the current invention comprises an eccentric toe-off cam lever (“cam lever”) integrated into the midsole of a shoe. The cam lever of the embodiment comprises: a distal longitudinally extending cam element; a forefoot fulcrum element; and a rear longitudinally extending cam element.

Abstract: Provided is a personal traction device that includes a traction mechanism that is very comfortable underfoot, while providing excellent traction over slippery surfaces as well as excellent long-term wear.

Abstract: A wrinkle removing apparatus for fabric articles is provided. The apparatus includes a casing defining a volume therein and a reservoir received in the casing and containing a liquid for providing treatment to the fabric article. A platen is carried by the casing and defines a plurality of openings for allowing flow-through of liquid. A heater may be proximal the platen for heating the platen to a treatment temperature. A transducer extends into the reservoir and is configured for atomizing the liquid into a vapor.

Abstract: The present invention and related disclosure describes greeting cards with moving elements or devices which are operable to create motion in connection with some portion of the greeting card. The greeting card may include a multi-panel greeting card body or a three-dimensional foam greeting card body. At least one movable object is contained upon or within the greeting card body. A sound module having at least one pre-recorded digital audio file saved therein and a motor module are contained and concealed within the greeting card body. One or more switches may be used to activate the sound and motor modules, causing the pre-recorded audio file to play and causing movement of the movable or mobile object.

Abstract: The one piece blank for forming the pop-up greeting card has a pair of mutually perpendicular fold lines dividing the blank into four equal sections. One section has a die-cut area for forming a pop-up flap having a main section for imaging of a message thereon. A support section of the flap and a pair of hinge sections opposite sides of said support section hold the main section is spaced parallel relation to the upper section of the card when the card is opened.

Abstract: In a multifunctional postcard structure and its manufacturing method, the structure comprises: a transparent board, being a rectangular flat board structure with four edges, and any three successive edges of the transparent board having a folding board; a first board, attached onto the same side of the folding boards, and a containing space being formed between the transparent board and the first board; a second board, attached onto the other side of the folding boards, and the folding boards being covered between the first board and the second board; and a content, placed in the containing space, and having a pattern area defined on a surface of the content and viewable through the transparent board directly. With the design capable of changing the content quickly, the viewing effect can be changed during use. In addition, the content comes with a bookmark design to improve the practicability of the postcard structure.

Abstract: A mounting aid (1) for mounting films (2), in particular advertising or decorative films on planar substrates, e. g. windows, by unwinding the film (2) from a core (3), designed in such a way that said mounting aid (1) comprises two stationarily supportable fixing devices (4) to hold the core (3) relative to the substrate with the core (3) being rotatable relative to the fixing devices (4).

Abstract: A backlight section is adapted for use in connection with a large format graphic illumination system. The backlight sheet has one or more electroluminescent panels attached to it. This backlight sheet will be mounted onto a display surface. The graphic sheet is then mounted over the assembled backlight sheet having the electroluminescent panels thereon.

Abstract: A ladder rack sign system to be secured to a vehicle or a ladder rack mounted to the vehicle to hide the ladder rack/ladders and to display signs that can be utilized as advertising. The system includes upper and lower tracks to secure one or more signs therewithin, a back plate to support the upper and lower tracks and to space them a certain distance apart, end plates to secure the one or more signs therewithin, and mounting brackets to secure the system to the ladder rack and/or vehicle. The system may be installed on any type of vehicle, any type of ladder racks, roof racks, cargo racks, bike racks or the like. The system, using different mounting brackets or no mounting brackets at all, may be attached to any solid surface (e.g., wall, frame, structure). The system provides easy changing of signs to utilize different advertizing opportunities.

Abstract: A sign system for displaying product information to consumers positioned proximate a product being vended. The sign system is characterized as having a planar support and a primary sign is releasably retained by the planar support having product information made visible to the consumers and further having a window configured therein. A secondary sign is releasably retained behind the primary sign such that at least a portion of the secondary sign is visible through the window, the secondary sign having a plurality of alternative pricing indicia strategically positioned thereon such that through repositioning the secondary sign behind the primary sign, alternative pricing indicia is displayed through said window. An organizer is also employed for storing secondary pricing signs for easy access.

Abstract: A flat spring deflectable sign stand assembly principally intended for portable, temporary roadside signs. The flat steel spring allows for improved deflection strength to withstand forces caused by air turbulence from weather conditions and passing vehicles. The quick-release collapsible leg assembly allows for easy storage and on-site assembly of the stand. Telescopic legs allow for proper positioning and stability of the stand under varying roadside conditions.

Abstract: A keepsake display device stores and displays a printed ultrasound image, and includes a substantially transparent convex hollow first member with a substantially closed smooth outer surface, a second member coupled to the first member to define a substantially closed outer surface for the device, and a display element adapted to receive the printed ultrasound image and display it through the outer surface of the first member. The first and second members can be shaped to mimic a pregnant belly and a woman's buttocks, together representing the midsection of a pregnant woman. A kit includes the display device plus one or more of a lamination member, a real or plastic birthstone or a set of real or plastic birthstones, a template useful for cutting the ultrasound image, and glue. An assembly includes the display device and a figurine such a stork which can hold the display device from its beak.

Abstract: A bolt, having: an extractor pivotally thereto for movement between at least a first position and a second position, a hook member located at a distal end of the extractor, wherein the hook member is at least partially received within a pocket on a muzzle end of the bolt and the hook member moves away from a center line of the bolt as the hook member is moved from the first position towards the second position, wherein a bottom of the pocket is recessed within a first range A in a first direction from the muzzle and the hook member has an axial thickness parallel to the center line within a first range A? and wherein the hook member is flush with the muzzle when the hook member is in the second position.

Abstract: A bipod attachment mechanism for small arms that is releasably attached to an elongated rail adaptor is disclosed. The attachment mechanism removably mounts an accessory to a small arms weapon. The bipod attachment mechanism includes a rail attachment mechanism and a grip element having an upper end and a lower end, and including a hollow interior cavity. A pin-receiving section includes an aperture for receiving an accessory mounting pin, and a spring-biased catch mechanism for securing the accessory mounting pin.

Abstract: Gun rail attachments, gun components and accessories and systems include attachment bodies made of polymeric materials with hardness ratings and ranges which are generally flexible and malleable and heat resistant. Reinforcing members are combined with the attachment bodies for secure attachment to gun rails and grips with only the polymeric attachment bodies exposed. Pockets, cavities and channels are formed in the attachment bodies for receiving wires, devices, device modules, components or accessories for guns.

Abstract: Rifle scopes with adjustment stops include a scope body, a movable optical element defining an optical axis enclosed by the scope body, and a turret having a screw operably connected to the optical element for adjusting the optical axis in response to rotation of the screw. The turret has a stop element selectably engaged to the screw. The body defines a stop surface positioned for engagement by the turret stop element to limit rotation of the screw, such that the relative position at which the stop element is secured to the screw defines a zero position of the screw and the movable optical element. The stop element is held against the stop surface by an indexing portion while the relative position at which the stop element is secured to the screw to define the zero position is determined.

Abstract: An improved automatic jigging device comprising a motorized wheel having cutouts of a multitude of geometric shapes, sizes, and textures, a support arm with a fulcrum, and a jigging arm with a clamp for holding a fishing line. The fulcrum is inserted into the cutout and the rotational movement of the wheel transfers the movement to the fulcrum. The movement of the fulcrum is transferred to the clamp through the support arm and the jigging arm. The clamp holding the fishing line transfers the irregular, life-like movement to the fishing line. Throughout the fishing experience, the type of irregular, life-like movement of the fishing line may be changed by inserting the fulcrum into a cutout with a different geometric shape, size, and texture.

Abstract: A convertible fishing lure assembly includes a lure body having at least one body section and a channel extending longitudinally therethrough and terminating in oppositely disposed open ends. A securing member, and in at least some embodiments a sleeve, is removably disposable within the channel. The securing member is dimensioned and disposed to include opposite ends being simultaneously disposed through the open ends of the channel for connection to fishing tackle components disposed exteriorly of the body section. Both the channel and the securing member have corresponding cross sectional configurations to restrict rotation of the securing member within the channel. The lure body may include a plurality of body sections each having a channel extending therethrough with a securing member removably disposed therein, wherein the body sections are movably interconnected to one another through interconnection of corresponding ends of the different securing members.

Abstract: The invention is an improved animal foot snare adapted to be used with a foot snare triggering device, comprising a snare cable with an anchoring device end and an opposite snare end and a chain with a loop slidably located on the snare cable proximal to the snare end. Said chain has a second locking end intermediately located along the cable, forming a noose with said cable. The locking end has a breakaway means in connection with a one-way locking means slidably attached to said cable which secures said chain to the snare cable for cinching the foot snare. Said device has a swiveled cable pulley slidably located along the snare cable between the locking end and the anchoring device end, where said pulley has a snare attachment means releasably installable to a foot snare triggering device, adapting the present invention to be used with foot snare triggering devices.

Abstract: A luminous insect trap for flying or crawling insects includes a hollow cylindrical enclosure having cylindrical side walls and upper and lower ends, a roof member removably closing the upper end, a removable electrical light source within the enclosure, an electrical power source providing electrical power to the light source, transparent, white or lightly colored, flexible glue boards removably overlying a major portion of the cylindrical walls; a bottom wall including a generally centrally disposed aperture, the aperture being just large enough to allow relatively large insects to pass therethrough, the centrally disposed portion of the bottom wall projecting inwardly into the enclosure for defining an annular space between the inwardly projecting bottom wall and the side walls of the enclosure, and a plurality of wall apertures spaced apart about the periphery of the cylindrical walls just below the bottom of the roof member.

Abstract: A stink bug trap can include a trap panel and at least one coupling member that extends from the trap panel and is configured to couple the trap panel to a target surface. The trap panel includes a first sticky surface. The first sticky surface of the trap panel faces the target surface when the trap panel is coupled to the target surface, and at least a major portion of the first sticky surface of the trap panel is spaced apart from the target surface by a distance that is between about 0.125 inches and about 1.5 inches when the trap panel is coupled to the target surface.

Abstract: A device for the extermination of burrowing vermin is disclosed. The device is configured as a plenum chamber having an intake adapted for sealed communication with the exhaust of an internal combustion engine. An outflow conduit communicates between the plenum chamber and a burrow entrance for vermin such as gophers. Heat and gas under pressure from the engine is communicated through the outflow conduit to the burrow along with any fumes from heated liquid or solids deposited to the plenum chamber to rid the burrow of any subterranean occupants.

Abstract: A note pad is attached to a device having a handle and a base. Kinetic force is applied through the device to stun or crush a target pest between a top sheet of the note pad and a wall or floor. The top sheet does not have previously applied adhesive for trapping insects, and hence does not generally adhere to the wall or floor. The note pad top sheet can be removed, wrapped around the target's remains, and placed in a wastebasket for disposal.

Abstract: A fly killing device with a flat disk shaped member, an outer rigid tube, an inner rigid tube, an elastic cord and a pull knob. The inner rigid tube is slidably and telecopically engaged within the outer rigid tube. The elastic cord is slidably and telescopicically engaged within the rigid inner tube member. The elastic cord is attached at one end to the flat disk shaped member and at the opposite end to the pull knob. When a user pulls back on the pull knob, the elastic cord is stretched and, when the pull knob is released by the user, the elastic cord retracts rapidly causing the inner rigid tube and the disk member to shoot forward rapidly for the purpose of killing a small insect such as a fly or mosquito.

Abstract: A fuel oil composition comprises a fuel oil blend, at least one ethylene-vinyl ester polymer and at least one polyalkylmethacrylate polymer. The fuel oil blend comprises a middle-distillate fuel oil and a hydrotreated vegetable, animal or fish oil, wherein the amount of hydrotreated vegetable oil in the fuel oil blend is sufficient to provide the blend with an increase in the C15 to C20 n-alkane distribution of at least 3% by weight over the C15 to C20 n-alkane distribution of the middle-distillate alone.

Abstract: A process for converting a solid biomass material is provided. The solid biomass material is contacted with a catalytic cracking catalyst at a temperature of more than 400° C. in a riser reactor to produce one or more cracked products. The riser reactor is an external riser reactor with a curve and/or low velocity zone at its termination and wherein a part of the catalytic cracking catalyst has deposited in the curve and/or low velocity zone.

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: Systems and processes for commercial production of fatty acid alkyl esters for fuel applications are disclosed, wherein the fatty acid alkyl esters are produced from a lipid feedstock comprising varying component concentrations. The components may include free fatty acids, glycerides, and physical and chemical contaminants. An operator or control system may select a process route to optimize a process parameter such as a throughput of the system based on the concentration of the components. The selected process route may include transesterification and/or an esterification processes, and preliminary processes, such as pre-treatment processes, fatty-acid stripping processes, and a fatty acid distillation processes.

Abstract: A sulphur-free polymer comprising structural units of formula (I) and structural units of formula (II): wherein R1 represents a C8 to C22 alkyl group, preferably a C12 to C16 alkyl group; wherein R2 is hydrogen or methyl; wherein R3 represents —R5(OR6)nOR7; wherein R5 and R6 may be the same or different and independently represent a linear or branched C1 to C8 alkylene group; wherein n is an integer from 1 to 20; wherein R7 represents a C1 to C4 alkyl group; wherein R4 is hydrogen or methyl; and wherein the molar ratio of structural units (I): structural units (II) in the polymer is in the range from 100:1 to 2:1. The polymers improve the low-temperature properties of fuel oils from petroleum sources, those from vegetable or animal sources, and mixtures of these fuel oils.

Abstract: A fast pyrolysis system includes an auger housing having an inlet, an outlet, and an inner wall. A rotatable auger is mounted in the housing. The auger has surfaces defining at least one spiral channel. The spiral channel is tapered from a first depth adjacent the housing inlet to a second lesser depth adjacent the housing outlet. The auger is rotatable to propel particulate materials from the housing inlet toward the housing outlet to heat the particulate material to a first temperature sufficient to convert at least a portion of the particulate material into a vapor. A heat exchanger transfers a heat of vaporization from a heated medium to the auger housing inner wall. A filter assembly is connected downstream to the housing outlet in order to filter char fines from the vapor. A condenser is connected downstream to the filter assembly and is adapted to condense the vapor stream into bio-oil.

Abstract: Oleaginous microbial biomass is subjected to pyrolysis to make microbial pyrolysis oil for use as a fuel or is otherwise formed into combustible products for the generation of heat and/or light.

Abstract: A process for pretreating a biomass feedstock for gasification for the production of syngas.

Abstract: Process to generate synthesis gas and/or liquid raw materials and/or energy materials from waste and/or biomass by performing the following steps: a) solvolysis of the organic components of waste and/or biomass in an alkaline solution or hydrate smelter at a temperature range of 150° to 250° C. and pressure between 3 and 12 bar, whereby the organic components are converted into at least one liquid phase and the inorganic components are sedimented; b) elimination of the inorganic components from the liquid phase by physical separation methods; c) transfer of the vapors generated during the solvolysis into a rectification column, where the organic components are separated from water; and d) further separation of the organic components by rectification, extraction and sorption and/or conversion by thermal gasification into synthesis gas or burnable gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a removable plant protection system, comprising a wall module including an upwardly extending wall segment that is arranged for throwing a shadow on a soil area near the wall module when the sun reaches its highest orbit point and for allowing a sun beam on the soil area at a time period on the day when the elevation of the sun is relatively low.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for injecting at least one chemical substance and/or preparation into trees and/or palmaceae, characterized in that it comprises: a) a vessel (1) comprising inside an elastic container (2) suitable for containing the chemical substance and/or preparation; b) a connecting element (3) adapted to be introduced by at least one of its ends into the tree or palmaceae trunk; c) an adapter system located at the vesseloutlet, which in turn comprises a membrane-carrier element (4), a non-return valve or membrane (5) and an adapter system closing element (6); as well as a procedure for applying at least one chemical substance and/or preparation to at least one tree and/or palmaceae.

Abstract: A sprout cultivation device substantially has a carrying body, a controlling device, at least one container, a tube and a sprinkling device, wherein the carrying body controls the amounts of water by a water controller and changes the pumping time by a timer. Moreover, an actuating switch is mounted o the carrying body to start a motor to pump the fluid to a cultivation space via the tube. Because seeds of sprouts are embedded in a tray of the container and the fluid is regularly injected into the container via the tube by the motor, the sprout cultivation device is operated automatically without manpower and accelerates mature time of the sprouts to increase harvest. Moreover, the carrying body interiorly defines a reservoir space for accommodating the fluid to significantly diminish carrying body's size.

Abstract: A container for growing plants includes a side wall defining an open top, an open bottom, and a cavity for receiving a plant and a plant growth medium. The side wall may be composed of a biodegradable material and may be flexible, yet rigid enough to be self-supporting. The side wall may also be smooth on its outer surface for receiving selected printed indicia, such as product information and growth instructions. In certain embodiments, the side wall may be laminated, contain openings, or have a handle disposed thereon. The container is used by placing a plant and a plant growth medium in the container, then exposing the resulting potted plant to selected conditions of temperature, moisture, and light. The potted plant may also be placed in soil or in a larger container without the need to remove the biodegradable container.

Abstract: A green roof planter module includes a planter including a bottom wall, a plurality of sidewalls each including an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the bottom wall and the plurality of sidewalls cooperate with one another to form an interior space, and a biodegradable collar member extending upwardly from at least a select one of the biodegradable sidewalls, wherein at least a portion of the collar member is in-molded within the upper portion of at least one of the sidewalls, and wherein the collar member is adapted to retain a plant matter that extends above the plurality of sidewalls.

Abstract: The present invention provides a top-feeding double-swirl type gasifier: a feed line through which pulverized coal is supplied by nitrogen; a distributor for dividing the pulverized coal supplied; a plurality of burner nozzles for supplying the pulverized coal, divided in the distributor, and an oxidizer; a pressure reactor in which the pulverized coal and the oxidizer react with each other to produce a flow of synthesis gas; and a swirl generator for imparting a swirling force to the oxidizer which is fed into the pressure reactor, the gasifier further comprising a slag cooling and storing container placed beneath the pressure reactor. Each of the burner nozzles consists of a triple tube having a circular cross section. The pulverized coal and carrier gas are supplied to the most central region of the burner nozzle, and an oxidizer is supplied to an annular region 34 surrounding the central region.

Abstract: A process for joint entrained-bed gasification of ash-containing solid fuels and liquid fuels which are fed separately of each other to the coal gasification reactor via several burners, said burners having a concentric firing angle of greater than 0 degree such that soot formation is reduced and the conversion efficiency is increased, and the solid is conveyed to the gasification reactor together with an inert gas, and at least part of the ash-containing solid fuel contains fine coal particles which originate from coal mining and are not suited for fixed-bed gasification, and the liquid ash-containing fuel contains residues from a fixed-bed gasification.

Abstract: An automatic pet door device having a pet-specific identification component whereby only authorized animals are permitted to access the pet door.

Abstract: A movable door element in a door of a multimodality medical suite. The door is in a wall positioned between a first room and a second room of the suite, with the suite including a flexible raceway configured to extend within the length of the suite and selectively extend through a portion of the door, the door element including a housing and a shield component. The housing is coupled to the door and configured to selectively move from a first position to a second position. The housing is further configured to move to the second position when a shield door component, coupled to the raceway, displaces the housing and is disposed in a space in the portion of the door vacated by the door element. The shield component disposed in the housing.

Abstract: The latch assembly employs a coil spring for biasing a roller assembly with a main roller in a direction outwardly of the housing. The roller assembly has a pair of guide rollers or guide plates for guiding the roller assembly on the inside of the housing during use. The coil spring is positioned between the two guide rollers and remains coaxial of the housing during pivoting of the roller assembly within the housing during use. Guide pins are provided to keep the roller assembly from rubbing against the housing walls as a thrust load is applied to the main roller.

Abstract: A vitrified superabrasive product includes a superabrasive component and a vitrified bond component in which the superabrasive component is dispersed. The vitrified bond includes an oxide of a lanthanoid. Additionally, the vitrified bond component defines pores that can be essentially all less than 800 ?m in diameter. Seventy percent of the pores are in a range of between about 40 ?m and about 500 ?m and have an average aspect ratio less than about 2. The porosity is in a range of between about 50% and about 90% of the total volume of the superabrasive product.