Abstract: A wrinkle-reducing clip is described for use in drying articles of fabric, such as clothing. The clip is applied to clothing during a drying process. The clip comprises a clip body and sliding tension clasp which holds the material within the clip during drying. The clip may be utilized with fabrics containing varying moisture-levels and with a variety of drying methods, such as a clothes line (e.g., air drying) to a conventional dryer. Also, the clip may be made from a variety of heat-resistant materials, such as plastic, and may comprise a number of shapes to accommodate any number of clothing styles, sizes, or wrinkle areas.

Abstract: The present invention provides grain-drying facilities which can effectively use the heat energy of a biomass combustion hot-air that has been generated in a biomass combustion furnace.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying pellets having a housing and a rotor with rotor blades that is arranged in the housing such that it can be driven in rotation, having a dewatering region with at least one dewatering screen with dewatering screen openings that are smaller in size than the pellets, so that the process fluid can be separated from the pellets by means of passage from a screen front to a screen rear, wherein an auxiliary blower is arranged such that an auxiliary airflow from it is imparted in the direction of the pellets' primary direction of movement through the housing.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a tongue, a collar located at an upper portion of the footwear, and a gaiter having a lower portion integrally fixed to the collar of the footwear. The tongue and the collar together define an opening, preferably sized to receive a wearer's foot. The gaiter includes first and second fastening flaps and a fastening device (or fastening means) located on the first and second fastening flaps. The gaiter is configured to switch between high and low positions, the high position being a position in which a substantial portion of the gaiter extends above the upper-most portion of the footwear, and the low position being a position in which a substantial portion of the gaiter is located below the upper-most portion of the footwear.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a midsole includes placing first and second preforms into a midsole recess of a mold, with first and second portions of the mold defining a first overflow chamber connected to the first recess; closing the mold by positioning the first and second portions in contact with one another; heating the mold for a predetermined period of time at a predetermined temperature such that the first and second preforms melt and bond together to form a midsole, with a portion of each of the first and second preforms flowing into the first overflow chamber to form a first overflow portion; removing the midsole from the mold; allowing the midsole to expand; and cutting away the first overflow portion.

Abstract: An article of footwear for providing traction on a wet surface having a water-durable upper made from an elastic flexible material and configured to conform to a foot, a slip-resistant sole, a lacing system, and a heel support. The footwear has a stretchable foot entry opening which encircles and substantially conforms to an ankle of a wearer, keeping out water. The upper is made from an elastic flexible composite which is constructed from a neoprene foam, and fabric laminated to the foam. The foam may have perforations which may not extend through the fabric, allowing liquids and vapor to escape the footwear. The fabric may be coated or treated to provide functions, such as hydrophobicity or oleophobicity.

Abstract: Natural mobility footwear, including a sole and an upper which together, define separate seats for toes or toe groups, the thin sole comprises at a bottom at least one distribution of ridges and valleys configured like an enhanced version of the body's own skin, the multiple parts/pieces of the sole provide a wider range of movement, much like being barefoot, the thin sole also improves the level of environmental feedback received by the foot and body, this feedback enables the body to make adjustments or corrections, which might improve balance, agility, and stability during exercise or activity.

Abstract: A shoe comprising an upper forming an interior portion for a foot, the interior portion including toe and heel cavities, is provided. The shoe further comprises a midsole having toe and heel ends and inner and outer sides. The midsole is stitched to the upper thereby forming a bottom to the interior portion. Heel and toe outsole patches are respectively stitched onto the midsole. An insole is affixed to the bottom of the interior portion. A spacing between the heel and toe outsole patches extends from the inner to the outer side and occupies a position intermediate the toe and heel ends thereby permitting the shoe to fold about an axis running through the spacing. The shoe folds between an extended state, in which the shoe is worn, and a folded state in which a portion of the upper comprising the toe cavity is tucked into the heel cavity.

Abstract: The invention provides a water vapor permeable sole unit (15) including an outsole ply (41) constructed using an outsole material, possibly formed from a plurality of pieces and/or provided with outsole portions arranged thereunder, which outsole ply is thickness reduced within a circumferential region by means of a recess (43) extending from an upper side of the outsole ply (41), and provided with outsole ply through hole openings (45) extending through the thickness thereof. The sole unit (15) possesses a water vapor permeable barrier ply (47) at least partly disposed in the recess (43) of the outsole ply (41), extending only over a partial height of the recess (43) and constructed using a barrier material configured against foreign bodies being forced through.

Abstract: An apparatus designed for retrofitting existing golf shoes. The disclosed apparatus is positioned on the outsole of the golf shoe worn on the golfer's back foot in the area which is below the big toe and the first and second metatarsal bones. The apparatus includes a traction reduction element and a connecting means. The traction reduction element includes a top surface and a smooth bottom surface. The connecting means is positioned on the top surface of the traction reduction element for the purpose of connecting the apparatus to the outsole.

Abstract: A non-slip sole structure of anti-slip shoes used for stream trekking and fishing is made of a material with a large coefficient of friction such as unwoven fabric and having regular or irregular hollow grooves formed at predetermined positions of the sole to match with corresponding bumps, formed at the bottom of a shoe body. When the sole is combined with the bottom of the shoe body, the bumps at the bottom of the shoe body bottom are passed through the hollow grooves of the sole respectively and slightly protruded and exposed to achieve a more secured embedded positioning effect and provide an appropriate bending and extending deformation margin to the sole to avoid a stripping problem effectively. The bumps at the bottom of the shoe body are slightly protruded from the sole surface to improve an anti-slip grip effect and avoid wearing out the sole too quickly.

Abstract: The present application is directed to systems and methods for an interactive label and closure for a container. Information may be printed on an interior portion of the closure and a base label. A portion of the base label may be visible through a transparent window in a top label having. Rotation of the top label may cause the transparent window to display label information of varying relevance to the closure information.

Abstract: The greeting card of the present disclosure and related inventions combines the practicality of a traditional paper greeting card with the advanced capabilities and increased entertainment value of an electronic greeting card. A unique card fold is designed to hold a smart phone, tablet or other web-enabled electronic device. A quick response (QR) code or other digital or optical code or wireless signal, which is linked to a website, application, or other online content, is printed or encoded on the greeting card. After scanning the QR code with an electronic device, a user slides the electronic device into a pocket or cavity contained on or within the greeting card. The destination may contain a slideshow, a video, an interactive game, or other digital content. The greeting card contains various graphics and other printed indicia which correspond directly with the digital content which plays on the electronic device.

Abstract: A wireless electronic shelf label (100) having a layered structure includes a display layer (101) including display material, a backplane material structure with an antenna (202), and a circuit board arrangement with control electronics for controlling the operation of the label, such as the display and the radio communication, and a resilient layer having a space for a rigid component, such as a battery, wherein said resilient layer is arranged to provide a substantially even total thickness of said label (100), wherein the radio communication control further comprises a device for radio frequency communication via modulated backscatter with at least one detector diode (205), and, wherein the detector diode is connected to the antenna in at least one antenna connection point where the antenna signal has its maximum or at least near maximum.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide for an indicator integrated into an item. The indicator integrated into the item may include at least two separation edges. The first separation edge may include a first termination point and a second termination point. The second separation edge may include a third termination point and a fourth termination point. The indicator integrated into the item may also include an aperture adjacent to the first and third termination points. Further, the indicator integrated into the item may include a score adjacent to the second and fourth termination points. In certain embodiments, the indicator is separated from the item along the first and second separation edges using the aperture and folded over the score to an open position such that at least a portion of the indicator extends beyond a perimeter of the item. Additionally, a void, contiguous with the aperture, exists between the first and second separation edges.

Abstract: A display device includes: a flexible display panel including a recognition pattern; a housing for holding the flexible display panel, wherein varying amounts of a display area of the flexible display panel are exposable to the outside to display an image; and a sensor in the housing for sensing an amount of the exposed display area corresponding to the recognition pattern.

Abstract: A sign utilizing interchangeable, replaceable magnetic displays adhering to a ferromagnetic layer. The information, printed on the magnetic layers, retains their original freshness and crispness until removed and their replacements installed in their stead. Installing the new magnetic displays proves very facile and only requires removing the old magnetic display from its smooth, ferromagnetic panel and placing the new magnetic sign in its stead. The ferromagnetic panels can sit on top of regular signs which may include translucent panels with information visible through the panels. The ferromagnetic panel can clamp onto the regular sign since it requires no internal lighting. This arrangement avoids the need to penetrate any surface of the nonmagnetic sign. The ferromagnetic panel may have a nonflat configuration, and the magnetic sheet a flexibility to adhere intimately to the panel. The magnetic sign may, in fact, include several sections for flexibility in the sign's installation and content.

Abstract: A panel fastening assembly comprising a frame member securable to a beam, an advertising track, a rod mating the frame member and the track, and a carrier for retaining an advertising panel therein. The carrier is secured to the track to display the advertising panel. A method of displaying an advertising panel comprising the steps of engaging an advertising panel with a carrier, attaching a frame member to a beam, attaching a rod to the frame, coupling an advertising track to the carrier, and securing the advertising track to the rod. The frame member comprises a cylindrical base which is securable to the beam. The rod extends through an aperture in the base and into the track. Upward movement of the rod locks the track and carrier together and tensions the panel. Downward movement of the rod releases the carrier from the track and the tension in the panel.

Abstract: The present application is directed to systems and methods for a rotating advertising label for a container. One or more advertisements may be displayed on a base label. A portion of the base label may be visible through a transparent window in an opaque rotating top label. Rotation of the top label may cause the transparent window to display any combination or the advertisements.

Abstract: The mechanism comprises a main frame (1) and its extension (1?), which accommodate a barrel (21) with fixed mounting, a mobile bolt (22) and its guiding pin ensemble (66) and main spring (67) moving in the main frame (1), a mobile mass (34) and its assembly of guiding pin (60), push plate (61) and return spring (62), and a mobile mass catch sear (42) and its spring (7). The mobile mass pivots from a first position under the barrel to a downward position in reaction to the backward movement of the mobile bolt. The placement of the mobile mass in front of the chamber directs counteracting forces down on the barrel to prevent muzzle climb during operation.

Abstract: A revolver that has a cylinder that is capable of receiving a cylinder clip so that multiple cylinder clips can be used to quickly reload the revolver.

Abstract: A handgun configured with a hammer insert retained within a rear portion of a frame of the handgun, said hammer insert configured for bearing loads imparted thereto during cocking and firing sequence. And a hammer insert for use in conjunction with a frame of a handheld firearm, the hammer insert configured for sliding insertion into the frame from a rear face thereof, and configured for pivotally supporting a hammer.

Abstract: A pivotable and length adjustable firearm stock assembly includes a pivot stock having one end provided with a combined pivoting and latching arrangement movable about a horizontal pivot axis and adapted to be pivotally mounted on a rear end of the firearm. An opposite end is provided with a slide member having a lock receiving structure. A butt stock has one end slidably mounted on the slide member, and an opposite end provided with a butt plate pivotally mounted thereto. A movable member is interconnected between the pivot stock and the butt stock for locking the butt stock in various axial adjustment positions relative to the slide member of the pivot stock. The pivot stock and the butt stock together are movable about the horizontal pivot axis between a folded position and an unfolded position, and the butt stock is slidably adjustable relative to the pivot stock between various collapsed and extended positions.

Abstract: A rifle is provided. The rifle comprises a barrel, a handguard partly axially surrounding the barrel, and a modular accessory system. The modular accessory system comprises a housing and a modular accessory support system positioned within the housing, wherein the support system includes at least two modular accessory slots. The modular accessory system also comprises a modular accessory removably secured and individually adjustable within each slot. The housing partly axially surrounds the barrel and is positioned axially adjacent to the handguard such that a combination of the handguard and the housing surrounds the barrel completely in an axial manner. Support system configurations of preferably either tray-type or platform-type may be contemplated. The modular accessory system may further comprise a common power source and a display system. A modular accessory system for rifles capable of exchangeably mounting accessories thereto in plug-and-play fashion is therefore achieved.

Abstract: A retractable bipod assembly includes a pair of leg assemblies adapted to support a firearm during shooting thereof. A housing is adapted to be secured on a front portion of the firearm for pivotally mounting the leg assemblies between a folded up, storage position and a folded down, support position. A coupling arrangement is provided between the leg assemblies wherein the leg assemblies are in direct driving engagement and continuous contact with one another enabling pivotal movement of one of the leg assemblies to automatically cause simultaneous pivotal movement of the other of the leg assemblies.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a tool body having parallel columns extending from a common base. The base includes a lip extending outward from the columns defining an anvil for receiving a delta ring. A cutter has a body slidably disposed between the columns. A blade extends outward from the cutter body in opposition to the anvil and is aligned by transverse guide pins extending through guide slots in the columns. In operation, a section of the delta ring is positioned between the blade and the anvil. The blade is driven toward the anvil by any of various mechanical, pneumatic, and/or hydraulic mechanisms connected to the stanchion and blade, the simplest of which is a bolt extending through the cutter body and received in a threaded bore in the base. Preferably, the anvil includes a slot for receiving the blade at the extreme of its travel as the ring is severed.

Abstract: A method for disassembling a pistol that includes the steps of coupling a tool to the pistol so that a portion of the pistol is interposed within a retaining aperture formed within the tool, removing a second portion of a slide stop from a notch formed within the frame, removing a first portion of the slide stop from an aperture formed within the frame of the pistol and rotating the second portion of the slide stop to an axis defined by the first portion of the slide stop as the second portion of the slide stop is permitted to contact the tool to prevent a scratch on a portion of the pistol that is prone to being scratched by the second portion of the slide stop.

Abstract: A pivot mount base is assembled to or removed from the sight mounting rail of a firearm by a lever actuated cam energized rail clamping mechanism. A pivot shaft is fixed within an axially oriented pivot passage of the mount base and defines spaced external bearing surfaces. A pivotal accessory support device defines spaced pivot receptacles having a portion of said pivot mount base located therebetween and has bearing receptacles receiving the pivot shaft. The accessory support device is moveable both linearly and rotatably relative to the fixed pivot shaft and is urged toward a locked position with a locking pin by a compression spring and is moved against the spring force to free the accessory support device for manual rotational movement to a precision aiming position and to a laterally offset position.

Abstract: A hunting decoy may comprise a glove; and a simulation of a head of a quarry attached to the glove. In operation a hunter may carry the decoy to a desired hunting location and position the simulation into a position that is visible to the quarry. The hunter may move the simulation to imitate natural head movements of the quarry.

Abstract: The Game Changer II (GCII) is a device designed to enhance the performance and presentation of rubber fishing baits used in fishing. GCII's sliding plunger bar allows for a straight and centered hole to be pre-set in rubber fishing baits. This pre-set hole is pivotal when applying the hook or jig head to the rubber bait in-that it allows the hook to follow the pre-set hole through the center of the bait. GCII is a plastic, single hinge unit with 2 moving parts (the lid and the sliding plunger bar) and 2 separate trays (1 for larger baits and 1 for smaller baits). With the lid in the open position and the sliding plunger bar (see diagram 4) in the extended position, the rubber bait is laid in the tray with the top of the rubber bait. flush against the inner wall of the GCII and the head of the bait at the plunger hole. Close the lid. Once the lid is closed apply minimal pressure on both the top and the bottom of the GCII.

Abstract: An inventive device for the handling and affecting the physiological state of an aquatic species with a pair of gloves, a multiplicity of electrodes, and a pulsator attached to the electrodes, so that when the pulsator is activated the current, alters the physiological state of the aquatic species.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an fishing lure (10) having a mechanically-actuated tone generation device (15, 25) which produces one or more lower frequency tones alone. Additionally, the tone generation device (15, 25) may also generate a higher frequency tone through mechanical actuation (15, 50) and/or may be combined with a separate mechanically-actuated higher frequency tone generation device (1185).

Abstract: A method for recycling soft artificial fishing baits comprising: providing used soft artificial baits to be recycled; providing a mold having two separable sides cooperatively defining at least one cavity therein, each cavity having a shape corresponding to a desired fishing bait, fastening means for releasably affixing the sides together, holding means for receiving baits and other materials to be integrated into finished lures manufactured using the method, the holding means arranged above each cavity and in fluid communication therewith and adapted to allow material of the used baits to flow into the cavity upon heating, at least one vent hole defined in each cavity near a bottom portion thereof, each hole in fluid communication with the atmosphere, each hole adapted to allow air within the cavity to flow out as material of the used baits flows into the cavity; placing used soft artificial baits into the holding means; placing the mold with artificial baits in the holding means into a microwave oven; heati

Abstract: A hollow shank fishing hook that will avoid the use of knots entirely, simplifying the profile of the fishing hook, making it easier for the end user to attach the leader line to the hook, simplifying manufacturing, reducing the propensity of the hook to catch debris in the water, and creating less auditory and visual distraction of the fish.

Abstract: A hollow fishing hook that will avoid the use of knots entirely, simplifying the profile of the fishing hook, making it easier for the end user to attach the leader line to the hook, simplifying manufacturing, reducing the propensity of the hook to catch debris in the water, and creating less auditory and visual distraction of the fish.

Abstract: A rodent snap trap device includes a pressure sensitive adhesive material of a removable type disposed on the top surface the first operative half of the device, inside the inner perimeter of the snap bar when the device is non-loaded. A rodent that steps through an aperture in the bait pedal and/or onto the adhesive material will react by pulling away, jostling the catch free of the rod to set off the snap trap.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an emulsifier package is disclosed. The method comprises blending a flow of fuel soluble product, a flow of stabilizer, and a flow of water in a mixing vessel to form a mixture. Mixing the mixture in the mixing vessel and recirculating the mixture through the mixing vessel. Lastly, shearing the mixture with a shearing device at a rate of about 27,500 shears per second to about 87,500 shears per second. A method for manufacturing an aqueous fuel emulsion is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, reactor systems, and catalysts for converting in a continuous process biomass to fuels and chemicals. The invention includes methods of converting the water insoluble components of biomass, such as hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin, to volatile C2+O1-2 oxygenates, such as alcohols, ketones, cyclic ethers, esters, carboxylic acids, aldehydes, and mixtures thereof. In certain applications, the volatile C2+O1-2 oxygenates can be collected and used as a final chemical product, or used in downstream processes to produce liquid fuels, chemicals and other products.

Abstract: With a method as well as a system for processing of sunflower extraction grist, particularly for obtaining proteins, wherein the particles from shell kernel parts and adhering proteins of the extraction grist are separated from one another by means of screening, a solution is to be created for processing the extraction grist of sunflowers, which occurs in the production of sunflower oil, in such a manner that it can be utilized in many different ways and, in particular, in practical manner. This is achieved, in terms of method, by means of the following steps: comminuting the grist by means of breaking it in beater impact mills (3) and/or corrugated rollers (16), screening the mixture of coarse and fine particles produced, separating the plant shells (fibers) and proteins by using water (5, 18), drying (6) the components, and pressing (8) the woody components into pellets as fuel for energy production.

Abstract: A water-in-fuel emulsion system comprises a reactor device, a fuel intake connected to said reactor device, a water intake connected to said reactor device, a pump connected to said reactor device, and a circulating emulsion reprocessing inline loop connected to said pump and feeding a load as needed in real time, wherein said reactor device comprises a non-vibrating anvil shaped to create cavitation sufficient to emulsify water-in-fuel from said water intake and said fuel intake.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for passively collecting water in an environment where dew forms are disclosed. The apparatus has a radial body which includes a hydrophobic surface that is supported at a slope of about 10 to 80 degrees from the direction of gravity. The apparatus may also include ridges which increase the surface area of the body thus increasing dew collection and provide shade which reduces the temperature increase of the body when the apparatus is exposed to sunlight. The method includes supporting a hydrophobic radial surface at a slope of about 10 to 80 degrees from the direction of gravity and waiting for dew or condensation to form on the hydrophobic surface and run down the hydrophobic surface to either a reservoir or a beneficiary of the passively collected water, such as the roots of a plant.

Abstract: An eco-safe plant protector, consisting of a top surface of highly reflective material, preferably silver, which repels aphids, white flies, and other plant pests. A copper material forms a barrier around the perimeter of the plant protector. This repels snails and kills certain micro organisms. An adhesive on the surface of the plant protector traps insects and other plant pests. An important aspect of the eco-safe plant protector is that it deters or kills plant pests by mechanical means rather than ecologically harmful chemicals, increases plant growth and yield and has a pleasant decorative appearance so that it can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for attaching retaining means or clips to guide means, in particular strings, for training vines, as well as retaining means for this device. In order to achieve increased cycle frequency with a high degree of automation and economy with an attachment of retaining means to guide means, it is provided according to the invention that the device is formed with at least one reservoir, a magazine or a like part for the sequential provision of open retaining means and/or retaining means formed with two half shells and a device connected thereto for closing the half shells of the retaining means while fixing the same to the guide means and enclosing the vine.

Abstract: Convenience in American lives promotes business. Gardening often requires weeding, fertilizing and watering on a regular basis. The frequency of these tasks is weather and climate dependant. The dryer climates of the Southwest require daily watering of gardens. Dry fertilizers are washed away with excessive watering. A single product that minimizes weeding, eliminates fertilizing, eliminates the need to apply mulch and reduces watering, while providing a biodegradable product has been invented.

Abstract: A first instruction is provided to add the contents of a container to the reservoir bowl portion of a tree stand, where the material includes an amount of a SuperAbsorbent Polymer (SAP). A second instruction is provided to add ice. In one example, an assembly includes a container, where the SAP is in the container, and where the container bears the instructions. This assembly is provided to the user. The user follows the instructions, and pours the contents into the reservoir bowl, and then adds ice to the reservoir bowl. The melting ice hydrates the SAP. The hydrated SAP then transfers moisture to a cut tree held by the stand. Water is replenished by adding more ice. No water must be poured or handled to hydrate the tree, so spilling and difficulties associated with pouring volumes of water into the bowl portion are avoided. The SAP is reusable and biodegradable.

Abstract: A peat moss composition having improved water holding capacity, hydrophilicity, and/or anti-leaching properties comprising one or more polysaccharides, for example guars and/or guar derivatives, is disclosed. A method of preparing the peat moss composition and a method of using it are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing plants hydroponically. The apparatus comprises a base or pot portion for receiving a growing media and plant. Formed beneath the base portion is a slotted downspout that is operative to allow water and nutrients into the base and allow the plant roots to grow in their natural orientation. A lid may also be provided, preferably having an aperture formed thereon, for forming a closure about the pot or base portion. In use, growing media and plant are placed in the base. The lid element is then placed upon the top portion of the base or pot and thereafter positioned into any reservoir of suitable size through which water and air will travel to feed the plant via the slotted downspout.

Abstract: Techniques, systems, apparatus, and materials are disclosed for generating multi-purpose liquid fuel for isolating contaminants and storing energy. In one aspect, a method of producing a liquid fuel includes forming a gaseous fuel (e.g., by dissociating biomass waste using waste heat recovered from an external heat source). Carbon dioxide emitted from an industrial process can be harvested and reacted with the gaseous fuel to generate the liquid fuel. A hazardous contaminant can be dissolved in the liquid fuel, with the liquid fuel operating as a solvent or continuous phase for a solution or colloid that isolates the hazardous contaminant from the environment. The hazardous contaminant can include at least one of a carbon donor and a hydrogen donor.

Abstract: A method of refining hydrocarbon material includes transporting a mobile refinery to a harvesting site, at least partially refining raw hydrocarbon material at the harvesting site, and transporting the at least partially refined hydrocarbon material to a remote location. A hydrocarbon material refining system includes a mobile refinery adapted to be transported to a harvesting site and to at least partially refine raw hydrocarbon material at the harvesting site, and a mobile storage module adapted to store the at least partially refined hydrocarbon material for transport to a remote location.

Abstract: A sliding door pet entry system, including a fixed door portion, having an interior side and an exterior side, and having and pet door built into it. The pet door may be automated with an electrical power cord which plugs into a wall outlet. The pet door is shaped and configured such that a sliding door portion which slides completely over the fixed door portion and the pet door without interference from the pet door. The sliding door pet entry system can further include a screen door roll attached to said fixed door portion which rolls out from said fixed door portion to cover the space opened by the sliding of the sliding door portion.