Abstract: A reciprocating saw blade for use with a reciprocating saw, the saw blade including a body including a first substantially planar surface and a second substantially planar surface opposite the first surface, an attachment portion for coupling the saw blade to the reciprocating saw, a cutting edge including a plurality of cutting teeth, and a rib element including a pair of outermost rib members. One of the outermost rib members is proximate the cutting edge and the other of the outermost rib members is proximate a back edge of the blade opposite the cutting edge. Each outermost rib member includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portions of each of the ribs are substantially parallel to one another.

Abstract: A power tool including a sliding member slidably received in the power tool and a pair of lock plates, each of the pair of lock plates including an opening, and the lock plates being configured such that the sliding member slides within the opening. First ends of each of the lock plates are pivotably attached to a support at a first side of the sliding member, and second ends of each of the lock plates being biased toward one another at an opposite side of the sliding member. A first contact portion of the lock plate contacts a first surface of the sliding member at the first side of the sliding member, and a second contact portion of the lock plate contacts a second surface of the sliding member at the opposite side of the sliding member, wherein the sliding member is secured with respect to the support.

Abstract: Chain bar apparatus and methods are disclosed that may be formed from plastic, metal or other materials. Laser cutting of a chain bar core can provide improved structural characteristics, for example when adhesive is used to assemble the chain bar. Flow diversion elements can be used to optimize flow throughout the chain bar.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel application of hard, low friction aluminum magnesium boride (AlMgB14, also known as BAM) based ceramic coatings to surfaces of razor components and in particular to blade edges of razor blades. On razor blade edges, these coatings may elevate blade performance, while also simplifying the manufacturing process.

Abstract: The Rod End Wear Detection Device (REWDD) is a fully portable light weight apparatus that precisely measures bearings in two axis. When employed for the purpose of assessing rod end bearings, the invention is capable of obtaining the measurement in confined spaces, without the need to remove the rod end from its fully installed position or reorient the rod end to facilitate both measurements. By using the disclosed apparatus, a user may ascertain the serviceability of a bearing by detecting the level of wear in the bearing allowing timely replacement and/or repair.

Abstract: A circumference measuring gauge for measuring an item is shown and described. The circumference measuring gauge may include a base, a fixture displaceably positioned on the base, the fixture capable of securing the item, and a measuring member having first and second ends, the first end fixed to the base and the second end fixed to the fixture, where the measuring member circumscribes the item. The circumference measuring gauge may also include a biasing member secured to the fixture, wherein the biasing member applies a predetermined force to the measuring member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry machine having a drying function for drying an object to be dried, especially clothes. The laundry machine according to one embodiment of the present invention may be a circulating drying machine that supplies the hot air to an object to be dried, so as to remove water, and then condenses the water from the hot air and heats the condensed water to supply the heat to the object to be dried. At this time, condensing may be carried out using natural convection.

Abstract: A drying apparatus having a structure capable of improving condensation efficiency, and a washing machine having the same. The washing machine including a cabinet, a tub installed inside the cabinet, a drum rotatably installed inside the tub, a condenser duct configured to condense moisture in air introduced from the inside the drum, a drying duct configured to heat the air introduced from the condenser duct and supply the heated air to the inside the drum, and a condensation water storage unit formed at a circumference of the condenser duct to store condensation water that is used to condense the moisture in the air moving inside the condenser duct.

Abstract: A sanitizing hand dryer comprises a dryer housing having an inlet air channel and an outlet air channel. A blower draws air into the dryer housing through the inlet air channel, and directs the air out of the dryer housing through the outlet air channel A sanitizing system sanitizes the air within the inlet air channel and the air within the outlet air channel, wherein the sanitizing system within the inlet air channel includes at least one of a first air filter, a first ozone generator, a first sanitizing light source, a first photocatalytic oxidation system, a first ion generator, and a first electrostatic precipitator. The sanitizing system within the outlet air channel includes at least one of a second air filter, a second ozone generator, a second sanitizing light source, a second photocatalytic oxidation system, a second ion generator, and a second electrostatic precipitator.

Abstract: A shoe vamp includes an inner fabric layer including a pattern of decoration on an outer surface; an outer thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) layer including a transparent zone which is transparent when subjecting to heat, the transparent zone being formed on the pattern of decoration; and an intermediate perforated layer formed between the fabric layer and the TPE layer.

Abstract: An interchangeable bootie system includes an article of footwear and a plurality of interchangeable booties. Each bootie includes a support system configured to provide targeted support to different regions of the foot. This allows a user to select a bootie that provides the desired type of support for an athletic activity. An interchangeable bootie system with midsole portions having different types of cushioning systems is also disclosed. This allows a user to select a bootie with the desired type of support and the desired type of cushioning for an athletic activity. An interchangeable bootie and midsole insert system is also disclosed. Each midsole insert fits inside a bootie and includes a cushioning system configured to provide targeted cushioning to different regions of the foot. This allows a user to select a desired type of cushioning for an athletic activity.

Abstract: As described above, just as a person inserts his/her toes into a space under furniture and does sit-ups by using the force of the toes, a functional shoe of the present invention provides a portion into which an instep and a toe base portion are inserted on the functional shoe to use the force of the toe base portion which may exert the greatest force from among portions of a foot, thereby adding momentum. Accordingly, a wearer may further use the force of the instep and the toe base portion to support weight. That is, when a batter hits a baseball in a baseball game, an instep of the batter including a toe base portion may be inserted into a weight support unit to support the weight of the batter, thereby adding forces of the instep and the toe base portion the weight of the batter.

Abstract: Footwear articles and footwear article modification methods are described. According to one aspect, a footwear article includes an insole configured to support a foot of an individual when the footwear article is worn by the individual, an outsole which contacts the ground when the footwear article is worn by the individual, an upper configured to hold the footwear article to the foot of the individual when the footwear article is worn by the individual, wherein the upper includes a lateral portion and a medial portion, and wherein the lateral portion of the upper is configured to retain an interchangeable placard in a position with respect to the footwear article wherein the placard covers substantially an entirety of the lateral portion of the upper of the footwear article.

Abstract: A shoe sole can comprise one or more resiliently compressible elements received in a foundation and located by the foundation to underlie a portion of a foot, such as metatarsal heads, when the shoe is worn. The resiliently compressible element or elements can be shaped to reduce coupling of compression of adjacent regions of the resiliently compressible element. One or more plate elements can be positioned between the resiliently compressible elements and the foot, e.g. under the metatarsal heads. The plate elements can be separated from each other by spaces, such as slots, to reduce coupling of movement of adjacent plate elements. The plate elements can be elastically interconnected at the spaces between them. A plurality of lugs configured to contact the ground can be located on a lower surface of the foundation such that they are generally aligned with the plate elements. The plurality of lugs can be elastically interconnected.

Abstract: A sole assembly for an article of footwear includes an outsole, a midsole disposed on the outsole and having a heel portion that defines a void, and first and second inserts disposed in the void. The first insert is attached to the outsole, and the second insert is disposed on top of the first insert in a manner such that the first and second inserts are movable relative to one another.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel elevated toe device system that allows the wearer's toes to be elevated to a perpendicular or approaching a perpendicular orientation relative to the line of gravity and undertake activities, such as downhill skiing, with a greater amount of control of the skis and/or snowboard as a result of the elevated toes. The conventional systems do not make use of the natural qualities of the foot. On a downward slope, the device permits the wearer to enjoy the dynamics of the foot and assume a stance that presents less strain on the foot while accentuating maneuverability. The device can be a preset system, in which the wearer can interchange devices of different angular orientations to modify the posture of the toes, or adjustable. In an alternate embodiment, the device can be provided so that the surface under the big toe presents an elevated angular orientation.

Abstract: A cleat member for an article of footwear is configured to associate with a raised base on a sole of the article of footwear. The raised base includes an angled face with a plurality of protruding portions extending outwards from the angled face. An underside of the cleat member is provided with an indentation that corresponds to the angled face of the raised base. A plurality of recessed portions are disposed along the indentation on the underside of the cleat member and are configured to associate with the plurality of protruding portions on the angled face of the raised base. The plurality of recessed portions and the plurality of protruding portions have coincident shapes so that the protruding portions fit with the recessed portions. With this configuration, the cleat member and sole are configured with an interlocking arrangement that resists loosening when the article of footwear is used on a ground surface.

Abstract: When referring to “shoe” below, it is deemed to mean all types of footwear. Shoes having a push button or squeezable device on any part of the shoe (i.e. a buckle in the front of the shoe, on an ornament attached to the front of the shoe or in the top of the tongue of the shoe) which when pushed or squeezed triggers LEDs (of different colors preferably) and a sound recording teaching or educating or instructing the wearer on the alphabet, numbers, how to tie his/her shoelace, buckling his/her shoe and other educational, teaching or instructional topics or enhancing the theme of the shoe based on a cartoon character, movie character, book character, singer, actor, or nursery rhyme character. Perforations in the area the chip or device is stored permits a message stored in memory in the generator to be transmitted. The push button (squeezable) device is concealed by some material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are variations of shoes having structural features that offer improved podiatric support to address any number of lower extremity pathologies. Such shoes are especially useful in allowing individuals adapt to physical changes, accompanying ailments, as well as lifestyle changes that can arise such as those during and after pregnancy, during motherhood or other situations that induce temporary or permanent physical changes.

Abstract: A sole structure including a cleat assembly is disclosed. The cleat assembly includes a covering member, an actuating assembly and a cleat sub-assembly. The cleat sub-assembly includes a cleat member that can extend in length under a force applied by a foot. The actuating assembly directs force applied by a foot at the covering member to the cleat member so that the cleat can extend and penetrate further into a ground surface. The actuating assembly can include a pivot plate that pivots about an angled portion of the cleat sub-assembly.

Abstract: A method of making a sole for an article of footwear is disclosed. The method includes steps of attaching a double sided acrylic adhesive film to a composite plate. The composite plate is then attached to an outer member of the article of footwear using the acrylic adhesive film.

Abstract: There is provided a vibrating nipper including a vibrating body in which a plurality of gears built therein and having eccentric pendulums are longitudinally arranged and rotated to generate longitudinal vibration, the vibrating body in which the gears rotated by an oil hydrolytic motor are longitudinally arranged to be rotatable, an eccentric pendulum mounted on each of the gears to generate the longitudinal vibration while rotating the gears, wherein a nipper blade is longitudinally mounted on a bottom of the vibrating body in such a way that the vibrating body is capable of being inserted deeply into the ground along the nipper blade when excavating the ground.

Abstract: In a method of producing a stretchable sheet using a pair of gear rolls each having a plurality of teeth arranged on a circumference thereof, a raw sheet is drawn by passing the raw sheet through a gap between the pair of gear rolls. The raw sheet contains a plurality of types of fibers, and has a plurality of recessed sections formed by pressing. The recessed sections are formed collinearly at least along the drawing direction at a predetermined formation pitch in the drawing direction. An arrangement pitch of the teeth in the drawing direction is greater than the formation pitch and smaller than twice the formation pitch.

Abstract: This invention relates to motorcycles and more specifically custom motorcycles that have added a special rear fender that has a curved license plate recess that is built into it. This license plate frame is curved and fits into the recess of the custom fender that is located away from the taillight which traditionally is the light source for the license plate. The license plate that it surrounds is illuminated independently by waterproof flexible strips of white light LED's that are attached with an automotive grade double sided tape to the inside edge of the frame and because they are flexible, take the curved shape of the frame. The LED's are spliced into the vehicle's tail light wiring system and are energized from the motorcycle battery when the tail light is on.

Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes at least one tray having a front rounded portion and defining a plurality of apertures and having two sides. A lip may extend upward from the front rounded portion of the at least one tray. A front shelf may extend forward from the lip. The at least one tray may include one divider extending upwardly from each of the two sides and a front wall. The front wall may include a top wall, a bottom wall, and two side legs. The front wall, bottom wall, and two side legs may form a wall aperture and the front wall may include a plurality of projections configured to engage with the plurality of apertures on the tray.

Abstract: A simulated flame fireplace comprising a fireplace housing, a heating apparatus, and an apparatus that generates simulated flames. The apparatus that generates simulated flames comprises at least one movable member with a plurality of light sources attached to it. When the apparatus is active, the light sources are configured to vary in intensity as the at least one member moves such that the plurality of light sources generates an appearance of flames.

Abstract: An improved system for menu planning that consists of a magnetic mat printed with a calendar and customizable, blank magnetic tabs. The magnetic mat affixes to a refrigerator and the magnetic tabs are labeled and placed next to the mat to make menu planning as easy as selecting a magnetic tab and placing it on the mat. Additional household needs can be planned with the blank magnetic tabs.

Abstract: The present invention is a frame divider, which is used to provide an existing frame with the capability to increase the number of frame openings using spline members. The present invention comprises a frame insert, a plurality of frame openings and either a spline member or a plurality of spline members. The frame insert comprises an insert opening, an inner edge and an outer edge. These spline members comprise a plurality of spline ends which are affixed to the inner edge of the frame insert. The spline members can be linear, nonlinear or a combination of both. The frame openings are delineated by the spline members and the inner edge. The present invention is applied to an existing frame by being inserted into the rabbet of the frame. The arrangement of the spline members should be customizable to a user.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to launchers and launcher systems for discharging or launched payloads to downrange targets, and the methods of attenuating or offsetting recoil in such launcher systems. Examples of payloads that can be deployed with the disclosed launcher apparatus include chemical, biological, pyrotechnic, marker, tracer, signaling, non-lethal, explosive, smoke, and similar payloads.

Abstract: The accessory rail is mountable on a primary device, such as a firearm, for releasably attaching an auxiliary device directly to the accessory rail. The accessory rail generally includes a rail body and at least one slot adapter, which is integrally formed within the rail body, for receiving attachment means of the auxiliary device.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic body for a fish lure rotates in the water causing the bait hook attached to the rear of the body to mimic the movements of a prey animal. The rotational motion is created by a combination of fins and wing design of the body. The body has a nose up configuration when the fish is not on the hook. When a fish takes the hook the drag caused by the fish causes the body to ‘trip’ from a nose up position to a horizontal position thereby tensioning the lure line so that the fish cannot escape the hook.

Abstract: An artificial bait features an overmolded fish attractant sponge and ports through which fish attractant exudes. The bait is comprised of a soft resilient plastic. A container portion of the bait houses the sponge. The container portion includes perforations for fluid communication with the housed sponge. Prior to injection molding, the sponge is a dry compressed cellulose sponge. The sponge is coated with oil prior to injection molding. Pins or blades in the mold assembly position the oil-coated, compressed, cellulose sponge in the container portion of the bait. The pins or blades also define perforations in the container portion for fluid communication with the sponge. The oil coating on the compressed cellulose sponge prevents molten plastic from impregnating the sponge during the injection molding process. The oil coating does not cause the sponge to expand. After manufacture, a water-based fish attractant is introduced into and absorbed by the sponge via the perforations.

Abstract: An apparatus to fish having a body with exterior and interior faces extending from a first edge to a first end. At least one shaped channel is defined at the interior face, each shaped channel has a first channel extending from the first edge, and a second channel extending from the first channel. The body further has a first wall that extends from the interior face at a first predetermined distance from the first edge. A housing assembly is removably mounted into the body. The housing assembly has a second wall with a second edge, a first base wall with a third edge, and a housing. A first outside diameter of the second wall is smaller than a first interior diameter of the interior face. Protrusions protrude from the second edge; and a handle fixed to the interior face.

Abstract: A controller for a pest trap that includes a sensor, signaler, power source and activator in a housing to be attached to and detached from a pest trap. The sensor detects an animal in the trap and directs an activator to close a door of the trap. A signal is transmitted from the signaler of the housing to indicate that the trap has been activated and the door has been closed. The signal may be collected by a remote receiver. The housing may be detached from the trap and attached to a second trap, or reset on the same trap for reuse.

Abstract: The subject invention is a bed bug trap strip comprised of a top flat strip of durable material which is affixed to the top of hollow chambers. The invention incorporates a base strip upon the top of which base strip are mounted multiple hollow trap chambers, each chamber is mounted with a gap between them to afford easy access by the bed bugs, with barriers to prevent exit of the bed bugs through the gaps. The chamber gaps are of sufficient width to allow multiple bed bugs to easily crawl between them and to enter the trap chamber through openings on either end of the chambers where the adhesive surface on the base strip entraps the bed bugs for later disposal. The bottom of the base strip has an adhesive strip affixed which allows the user to quickly attach the trap strip to the desired surface area.

Abstract: A fuel additive concentrate comprising at least one aryl amine; and at least one metal-containing compound is disclosed. In an aspect, the fuel additive concentrate can be synergistic. Fuel composition comprising the fuel additive concentration and methods of combusting the fuel composition are also disclosed. Moreover, methods of enhancing research octane number, increasing fuel economy, and reducing the carbon footprint of a vehicle are also disclosed.

Abstract: A diesel fuel composition comprising, as an additive, a quaternary ammonium salt formed by the reaction of a compound of formula (A): and a compound formed by the reaction of a hydrocarbyl-substituted acylating agent and an amine of formula (B1) or (B2): wherein R is an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, aryl or alkylaryl group; R1 is a C1 to C22 alkyl, aryl or alkylaryl group; R2 and R3 are the same or different alkyl groups having from 1 to 22 carbon atoms; X is an alkylene group having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms; n is from 0 to 20; m is from 1 to 5; and R4 is hydrogen or a C1 to C22 alkyl group.

Abstract: A method of reducing deposits in a diesel engine, the method comprising combusting in the engine a diesel fuel composition comprising a detergent additive which is not a quaternary ammonium salt or a Mannich reaction product; and a quaternary ammonium salt additive comprising the reaction product of nitrogen containing species having at least one tertiary amine group and a quaternizing agent; wherein the nitrogen containing species is selected from: (i) the reaction product of a hydrocarbyl-substituted acylating agent and a compound comprising at least one tertiary amine group and a primary amine, secondary amine or alcohol group; (ii) a Mannich reaction product comprising a tertiary amine group; and (v) a polyalkylene substituted amine having at least one tertiary amine group.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a mixture of substances comprising a higher tertiary butyl ether of glycerol, comprising the steps: acid-catalyzed reaction of isobutene with glycerol to form a reaction mixture, and extraction of at least part of the reaction mixture from step a by means of at least one solvent, wherein the solvent or the mixture of solvents comprises an ET(30) value of=35.0.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for producing thermoset, water repellent binders particularly effective for forming combustible composite materials. The binders include a mixture of an alkaline protein hydrolyzate and a bio-oil or an acidic protein hydrolyzate and a lignin compound. Desirably, the binders and the resulting combustible composite materials are substantially free of formaldehyde.

Abstract: A geocomposite element, particularly for enhancing plant growth, which possesses water permeable sheathing elements as well as a material that absorbs water placed in a cavity made by the sheathing elements, characterised in that it possesses a skeleton structure (3) that forms a cavity for the absorbent material (4) and a sheath (2) located on the surface of the skeleton structure. The present invention is of use in agriculture, gardening, construction and environmental engineering as an article for retaining water due to which it is possible to stabilise water equilibria which are conditional to plant growth as well as for the aggregation of other substrates influencing correct and effective plant growth.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the growth of a horticultural plant comprising applying to the surface of the horticultural plant an effective amount of an ultrafine, dry ground calcite. The applied ultrafine, dry ground calcite transmits about 95% or greater, and reflects about 5% or less, of light in the PAR and UV wavelengths.

Abstract: Embodiments are described for a cardboard box assembly for use in a modular green roof system. The box includes a drainage board, filter and pre-vegetated growing media. A lid assembly is placed over the box during transport and storage. The box/lid assembly is designed to be stackable for easy transport on pallets for placement in an interlocking array on a roof or similar surface. The box is made of biodegradable cardboard allows for the eventual breakdown of the container portion of the assembly and the formation of an integrated green roof of interlocking plants after a period of time after installation. The filter fabric sock wrapping the box bottom, sides and fitted top provides the enclosure that will hold the pre-vegetated modular components together when the cardboard box eventually biodegrades.

Abstract: A vertical planter system for exposing the roots of orchids and other epiphytic plants to the open air, includes a support structure having a frame with a base end for housing a humidifying tray and a top end for housing an irrigation tray. The planter system further includes a support member for mounting a growing medium. The irrigation tray includes small holes such that when water is introduced into the tray, the water passes through the holes to mimic natural rainfall and allow the water to trickle from the tray to the epiphytic plant and roots, thereby avoiding the rotting of plant roots that occurs from over watering when plant roots are concealed in plant containers and pots.

Abstract: A planting structure includes at least one ridge (1) and at least one furrow (2) connected together. The furrow (2) is filled with organic materials, the density of which is less than that of the ridge (1). A planting method is also provided. Said planting structure and method can condition soil, and increase the growth amount of the wild and cultivated plants.

Abstract: The present invention is a planting device design for multiple plant containers. Said planting device incorporates a reservoir and a wick for each plant container. When placing the plant container through the lid, a flap is opened. Said flap positions the plant container so that the wick is in contact with the water, but the container containing the soil is not in contact with the water. This reduces the possibility of rot. Said flap also closes when the plant container is removed thereby preventing pollutants (e.g. insects, leaves) along with pets or light from communicating with the water.

Abstract: A system for controlling an access opening in a vehicle body includes first and second doors arranged to selectively open and close first and second portions of the opening. The system also includes a device operatively connected to the first door and configured to be selectively retracted before at least one of the first and second doors is opened. The device is also configured to be protracted when the first and second doors are closed to thereby seal the first and second portions of the access opening. The system additionally includes a controller configured to selectively retract and protract the device. Furthermore, the system includes a sensor arranged on the vehicle and configured to detect an impact exceeding a threshold intensity on the body and communicate a signal indicative of the impact to the controller.

Abstract: Gateway providing controlled access from an entrance point to an exit point, comprising two wall elements defining a corridor in between wall elements and comprising movable close off elements that have an open position and closed position, whereby in the open position the entrance point and exit point provide a free passageway, and in the closed position the corridor is closed off and passage is prevented, wherein the movable close off elements are embodied as at least one flexible band which is movable from within a wall element to outside that wall element, whereby in the open position at least one flexible band is substantially rectilinear and positioned inside the wall element and in the closed position at least one flexible band is bent to extend in part outside the wall element towards the other wall element to close up the passageway.

Abstract: An example includes an apparatus for releasing a railroad gate in at least two directions. The example includes a primary pivot member and a secondary pivot member pivotally connected to the primary pivot member, with one end of the railroad crossing connectable to the secondary pivot member. In the example the primary pivot member is rotable around a primary pivot of the apparatus, the primary pivot member rotable in a first direction against a first spring bias and in a second direction, opposite the first direction, against a second spring bias other than the first spring bias, and wherein the secondary pivot member is rotable around a secondary pivot of the apparatus, the secondary pivot member rotable in the first direction against a third spring bias other than the first spring bias and the second spring bias.

Abstract: Disclosed is a latching mechanism for a access door. More specifically, the disclosure relates to an access door that can be pivoted between opened and closed orientations and secured in the open position with the aid of a hold open arm. A latching lever, in turn, pivotally engages the hold open arm to selectively secure the access door in an opened orientation. A grip upon the hold open arm can thereafter be used in conjunction with the latching lever to release the access door and permit it to be closed.