Abstract: There is provided a sole unit having a midsole section and an outsole section. The midsole incorporates a number of cavities which open at their top ends and which are wider at their bottom ends. The outsole section incorporates a number of diaphragm elements which close off the bottoms of the cavities. In some arrangements there is a footbed which has in its underside a number of recesses disposed above each of the cavities, the recesses being linked by channels and incorporating orifices leading to the inside of an article of footwear.

Abstract: A shoe having a lace fitting structure of the present invention includes, as its primary components, a first side panel 51 extending in an upward or diagonally upward direction along a medial side surface in a space inside a main upper 2M so as to wrap around the medial side surface of the foot, and a second side panel 52 extending in an upward or diagonally upward direction along a lateral side surface in the space inside the main upper so as to wrap around the lateral side surface of the foot, and a third eyelet 23 provided at a tip of each of the first and second side panels 51 and 52, shoelace means passing through and engaging with the third eyelets.

Abstract: A footwear includes an outer member, an inner lining, an instep member, and a lace. The outer member defines an outer surface of the footwear. The inner lining is positioned within the outer member. The instep member extends across an instep portion of the inner lining. The instep member can be positioned between the outer member and the inner lining or embedded within the inner lining. The lace is coupled to the instep member and to the outer member. Applying a tension force to the lace causes the instep member to apply a force against the instep portion of the inner lining, thereby applying an instep force against an instep portion of a user's foot that is positioned in the footwear. The instep force against the user's foot holds the user's foot against a bottom and rear portion of the footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole structure with multiple cleat systems is disclosed. A first cleat system has a first cleat design and one or more cleat member sets that are tuned to provide different levels of traction and flexibility to different regions of the sole structure. A second cleat system has a second cleat design and is disposed on the sole structure in a location to provide maximum traction for various playing surfaces. The sizes, material properties and arrangement of each cleat system are varied.

Abstract: A system for uncovering and sealing a narrow trench. The system comprises several subsystems, including a work machine, a frame for providing a seal with the surface to be trenched, a saw blade, a vacuum system, a system for placing product, and a resealer. The blade includes rotatable tooth bits, which may be rotated and secured to create a blade for narrower or a wider trench. A removable cover and the blade are easily changeable. A ground engaging surface on the frame is manipulated to maintain a seal with changing ground surfaces. Additionally, the vertical location of the blade within the frame is adjustable to create a deeper or shallower trench.

Abstract: A method of removing a T-type fence post from the earth with a powered, mobile piece of equipment controlled by a human operator includes attaching a substantially flat plate to a lift arm of the powered, mobile piece of equipment such that the plate hangs substantially vertically from the lift arm and can move in an arc, the plate having an opening with a top wall and a bottom wall, moving the powered, mobile piece of equipment in a first direction to pull the plate over the fence post such that an upper portion of the post enters the opening with the bottom and upper walls of the opening engaging the post with sufficient force to retain the post in the opening when the post is pulled from the earth and raising the lift arm to pull the post from the earth in a substantially vertical direction.

Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of a snow plow blade mounted on a vehicle that uses the turn signal/high beam control stalk mounted on the steering wheel of the vehicle to control a actuation of the snow plow blade mounted on the vehicle. The control system operates in two alternately selectable modes, one of which allows the turn signal/high beam control stalk to be used to operate the turn signals and high beams of the vehicle, and the other of which allows the turn signal/high beam control stalk to be used to raise, lower, and pivot the snow plow blade. The control system may be switched between the two modes by initiating one of two respective sequences of actuation of one or more electrical switches in the vehicle.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention relates to an ironing surface for use in ironing ironable materials, and in particular relates to a pinnable pressable ironing surface on which ironable materials can be pinned and pressed with a hot iron.

Abstract: A portable, handheld iron (10) is provided having a pair of opposing soleplates (25, 35) with a lip (26, 36) for reaching hard to reach areas on a garment. The soleplates (25, 35) are disposed on respective upper and lower portions (20, 30) pivotally connected by a hinge (40). The upper and lower portions (20, 30) are moveable between open and closed positions. The longitudinal axes B of the upper and lower portions (20, 30) are offset from the plane of the soleplates (25, 35) by an offset angle ? when in the closed position. The offset angle ? provides the iron (10) with an ergonomic advantage in reaching hard to reach areas. In an embodiment, at least one of the soleplates (25, 35) is provided with a plurality of vents (27) for delivering wrinkle releasing steam.

Abstract: A handheld telescopic ironing device for pressing clothing, fabric and the like comprising two handles joined at the distal end with a pivotal hinge, each handle comprised of an elongated hollow outer handle housing and at least one elongated hollow inner handle housing concentrically aligned and telescopically mounted within outer handle housing with a locking means to hold the with inner handle housing and outer handle housing at extended or contracted lengths. Attached to the two handles are heads each having a pressing surface mounted on a hollow head housing so that the two pressing surfaces oppose each other. The telescopic ironing device is further comprised of at least one heating element disposed within one or more of internal cavities of the head housing and has an optional steam feature.

Abstract: Clothing iron including a sole (1) having a bottom side with a sliding surface (11) coming into contact with cloth and comprising at least one steam-supplied recess (10), the recess (10) being bounded on its entire periphery by the sliding surface (11) in such a manner that the recess (10) forms a steam diffusion cavity that is surrounded by the sliding surface (11) when the sole (1) is applied to the cloth being ironed, characterized in that the sliding surface (11) represents less than 50% of the total surface of the bottom side of the sole (1).

Abstract: An iron soleplate cover and storage unit is characterized in that it has a nose grip mounted on the soleplate, a nose part which has two folding details in its front part, a tail part which has two rail rods in its back part and one folding detail, nose clips, a left rail cover to cover a left rail recess on the nose part, left rail cover to cover the right rail recess on the nose part, and hanger unit, and it enables safe and compact storage after use and is suitable for irons.

Abstract: An illuminated signboard with edge effect for attachment to a support member includes a light guide having a body with a first face and an opposite second face and a light entry well formed therein. The second face includes a reverse bevel edge formed along a perimeter edge of the second face. The reverse bevel provides a luminous effect and directs light forward so that exits through the first face of a light guide in the form of an illuminated perimeter and the reverse bevel also provides an luminous halo cast on the support member in a band that exceeds and surrounds a physical perimeter of the signboard as a result of light being directed in an oblique, rearward manner relative to the light guide.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for wet floor warnings feature a movable barrier member proximate a doorway at a height elevated above floor level for selective movement between a deployed position in which the barrier member spans at least partially across the doorway and a storage position in which the barrier member is less obstructive to the doorway than in the deployed position for selective display of wet floor warning indicia on the barrier member on a path of sight through the doorway to indicate that the floor surface situated beyond said doorway is wet and may present a slip and fall hazard. The visibility of the warning is improved over floor seated signs, and cleaning personnel going room to room in a large establishment like a hotel, hospital, nursing home, care home, etc. need not transport portable warning signs as they travel the premises.

Abstract: A planar sheet mounting device comprising: a frame unit; at least one retaining unit connected to the frame unit, wherein the at least one retaining device comprises: a first plurality of formed segment pairs, wherein a formed segment pair comprises a first formed segment disposed on a second formed segment, wherein the second formed segment is substantially identical to the first formed segment, wherein the first formed segment is oriented in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the second formed segment, whereby a planar sheet is retained when interposed between the first formed segment the second formed segment; a holder, wherein the first plurality of formed segment pairs are coupled to holder at least one point on each formed segment pair of the first plurality of formed segment pairs, and wherein the first plurality of formed segment pairs are oriented adjacent to each other; an affixant coupled to the holder for removably affixing the first plurality of formed segment pairs and the frame unit

Abstract: An automatic rifle bolt carrier with a fluted boss for the AR15/M16 family of firearms has been provided. The rear of the bolt carrier has been provided with a boss having bearing surfaces which are in operational contact with the interior of the host firearm's upper receiver to prevent the carrier from tilting while it is reciprocating during normal operation. The boss and rearward end of the bolt carrier are provided with flutes which allow water to flow between the buffer tube and upper receiver while the bolt carrier is reciprocating during normal operation, enabling a properly equipped firearm to be used during over the beach operations. The bolt carrier also includes a scallop cut located about the top of its backmost end which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bolt carrier.

Abstract: A weapon protection device designed to enclose a weapon and protect the weapon from adverse conditions, including water, dust, dirt and sand. The weapon protection device features a material that is durable and generally puncture resistant, impervious to water, lightweight, heat resistant and tear resistant. The weapon protection device is compact when not in use and requires very little storage space. The weapon protection device features one or more pockets having a flap and an interior region under the flap. The interior region is made of a flexible, stretchy material that allows a user to fire the weapon with either hand while the weapon is inside the protection device. The weapon can be used on short notice and does not require removal of the weapon from the weapon protection device. A waterproof opening seal, such as a dry sack seal, is provided.

Abstract: The shoulder-fired grenade launcher includes an electrical firing mechanism powered by a suitable small electrical power source, e.g., a nine-volt dry cell battery. A battery voltage indicator is provided at the side of the action of the weapon. The weapon has a relatively short barrel, capable of firing a single muzzle-loaded round with each firing. The round is only slightly shorter than the barrel. Reliefs are provided at the sides of the muzzle to enable the operator to extract the spent shell from the barrel. An electrical safety switch is provided. LEDs or other suitable lights indicate the status of the safety switch. Closure of the electrical circuit for firing the projectile is accomplished by an electrical toggle switch used for the trigger.

Abstract: An incrementally adjustable sight for a firearm is taught. The sight includes a base attachable to a firearm and a housing carried by the base. The housing includes a central cavity having an opening and carrying a sight post assembly. The sight post assembly includes a sight post having a first end extending outwardly from the central cavity through the opening and a second end. A cam follower and a cam member are carried by the sight post with the cam member, cammingly engaging the cam follower between a plurality of positions. A biasing member biases the first end of the sight post away from one of the cam follower and the cam member a distance. The distance is adjusted by relative movement of the cam member and the cam follower between the plurality of positions.

Abstract: A device has structure that can support the device on a weapon, and a range portion that specifies a range to a target. A sensor portion provides sensor information representing an orientation of the device, and an electronic control portion is responsive to sensor information from the sensor portion and a range from the range portion for calculating how to hit the target with each of first and second munitions that are different.

Abstract: A device for holding a fishing pole. The device employing a hollow elongated pole holder for fishing pole with elongated slots wherein a trigger is positioned. The trigger is adjustable for various weights of poles and tackles. The trigger comprises a swing arm adjustable to weight of the fishing tackle. A signal indicates a strike on the line. Sensitivity of the signal can be adjusted. A frame holds the pole holder and the pole holder is angularly positionable in relation to the frame. Removable pins are used to hold the pole holder pivotably to the frame and to a mounting plate. Another removable pin allows the pole holder to be angularly adjusted. The device can mounted to boats, docks, the ground or to ice.

Abstract: A strap on fishing rod rack comprising of fixed horizontal panels, tubular housing, straps and a fastening device. The rack straps around an ice cooler or other object and hold a plurality of fishing rods in an upright position. The device is removable and can be affixed without the need for screws or drilling making it useful for mounting to coolers and other fixtures that are unsuitable for other mounting applications. The rack includes horizontal panels on which vertical fishing rod support tubes are affixed. Individual horizontal panels may consist of two members, each with a channel and groove extending the length of the member. The members may be joined creating a channel along the inside of each horizontal panel. The rack includes straps. A strap slides inside the horizontal panel, in one end, and exits out the other. A stainless steel ratchet buckle is affixed on one end of each strap providing a simple but secure method to firmly attach the apparatus to the fixture.

Abstract: Herein we describe crustacean fishing traps having degradable cull ring panels, as well as methods for ensuring that such traps have reduced functionality after becoming derelict. Derelict crab and lobster traps have a negative economic and ecological impact, and thus it is advantageous to use degradable traps that will lose their ability to catch and retain fish over time. Incorporating degradable cull ring panels into such traps provides an effective, economical solution. Suitable degradable cull ring panels are described herein.

Abstract: A carpenter bee trap having at least one entrance hole, at least one plenum section connecting the at least one entrance hole to at least one receptacle adapter coupling, and least one removable receptacle attached to at least one receptacle adapter coupling, the at least one removable receptacle made of a material that admits ambient light to a greater extent than the material forming the plenum such that insects entering the trap follow a path of increasing intensity of ambient light that leads them to the receptacle. In one embodiment, existing carpenter bee nests are treated with a disclosed insecticide gel. The insecticide gel consists of a thixotropic, injectable, non-hardening, non-volatile gel blended with a pyrethroid insecticide, in effect converting the bee nest into a trap.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to the field of illuminating, insect-catching devices, in particular to insect-catching devices comprising an adhesive surface. In particular, the illuminating portion is electrically powered, in one form by standard household power and in another form self-contained and powered by at least one battery.

Abstract: One nonlimiting variation of a detection arrangement includes one or more sensors each structured to detect at least one biochemical substance indicative of biochemistry of one or more target insect species and provide a corresponding sensor signal, a controller responsive to the sensor signal of each of the one or more sensors to determine if the one or more insect species are present and generate a corresponding output signal, and an indicator responsive to the output signal to indicate the presence of the one or more insect species.

Abstract: A modular all-terrain algal production system that includes a plurality of segments. Each segment is made from one or more trays that are adapted to grow algae on their surface. The trays each have a flange end configured to be coupled to non-flanged end of an adjacent tray to form floways. Each floway has a rotatable surge bucket at one end that is able to hold water and spill the water in a wave down the floway into a catchment. The system is supported on uneven terrain by an adjustable structure arranged to provide each floway with a horizontal inclination.

Abstract: A saturated cold germination test kit includes a compartment base, a lid and a holder for an oxygen scavenger. The base is water and airtight and includes a liquid gas exchange control trough around its perimeter. It is sized to house a high moisture holding seed planting surface pack at the bottom so seeds can be placed on top of the surface to imbibe and initiate pre-germination mechanisms. The lid has an edge that fits into a trough that houses a gas barrier liquid in the base to form an airtight seal and has an attachable compartment for an oxygen scavenger so the kit may be placed together in an airtight configuration with the oxygen scavenger inside to provide an anaerobic atmosphere for performing the saturated cold germination test in a cool location.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel precision customized control release fertilizers such as seed encapsulation nutrients, liquid formulation treatment for roots of seedlings before transplantation or for soil application or for foliar application and fertilizer granules or tablets for effective enhancement of crop yield. The fertilizer comprises a crop specific enstornized fertilizer and/or a normal fertilizer, an agropolymer made by—reacting an alkaline or hydrogen peroxide with plant material and a transition metal silicate or an amorphous silica.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for improving germination of manufactured seeds. The manufactured seed of the invention comprises a seed coat, nutritive media comprising an adsorbent material in a concentration from about 30 g/L to about 100 g/L, and a shoot restraint comprising a cavity. The manufactured seed further comprises a plant embryo. The adsorbent material may be nutrient-treated or non-nutrient-treated charcoal. The manufactured seed may optionally contain an adsorbent material in the cavity of the shoot restraint.

Abstract: A system for modular gardening including a water module having a reservoir coupled to an aperture such that water in the reservoir flows out the water module via the aperture. The system also including a plant module having a housing having an aperture arranged to transfer water with another module and further having an open region on a top surface of the housing, a first conduit within the housing coupling the aperture and a regulator, a second conduit coupled to the regulator, the second conduit providing water to one or more water absorbent layers arranged atop the second conduit, and plant life at least partially embedded in at least one of the one or more water absorbent layers and receiving light through the open region.

Abstract: Planter systems allow for the raising, lowering, holding, locking and releasing of a planter on a vertical support structure. The planter assembly may include a carriage, to which one or more planters is attached. Guides such as cables, rollers, sliders, bristles, gaskets, carpet and registration pins maintain space between the vertical support and planter assembly and facilitate raising and lowering. A tether guided over a pulley may be retracted or extended by winding it around or unwinding it from a winch, cleat or windlass to causes the planter assembly to rise or descend. When raised to a locking height, the planter assembly causes a mechanical locking mechanism associated with the planter assembly to move into a locking position, securing the planter assembly to the vertical support. Further raising releases the locking mechanism. Attachable items such as banners, flags, hangers and the like may be coupled to the carriage.

Abstract: A vehicular sliding door structure includes a sliding door having a closure portion configured to undergo abutting engagement with a mating portion of a vehicle body. The closure portion has an opening for allowing the entry of a striker therethrough into an internal space of the sliding door for locking engagement with a lock device. An anti-pinch sensor disposed on the closure portion has a sensor harness arranged to enter an internal space of the sliding door through the opening. A single cover member is provided on the closure portion so as to close the opening and cover a portion of the sensor harness. The cover member has a through-hole for the passage therethrough of the striker.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modular assembly device for providing adequate and efficient ventilation, temperature control, and insulation in poultry houses. The disclosed invention relates to an automated or manually-operated modular shutter system for tunnel ventilation in poultry houses, the system being self-sealed by the poultry house's internal negative static pressure. All the shutters in a modular shutter unit are designed to open and close in unison by means of specially-designed hinges and hinge spacers. In the preferred embodiment, there are four shutters per modular shutter unit, all of the same construction and dimensions. The shutters are designed with beveled horizontal edges and end cap seals, which together provide an efficient and practically airtight fit against each other when closed. The shutters are also of sufficient thickness to accommodate internal insulation if necessary to raise the insulation values needed for the poultry houses in cold winter months.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing an overhead door, having a door assembly for mounting to the overhead door, and an operator for securely engaging the door assembly. The operator has a chassis, and a cable reel rotatably mounted to the chassis and coupled to a main cable. When the main cable is coupled to the door assembly, as the cable reel is rotated in a first direction, the door assembly is drawn towards the operator so as to close the door. The apparatus may include a latch assembly for securing the door assembly to the operator when the door is closed, and a latch release mechanism for selectively disengaging the latch assembly so as to disengage the door assembly from the operator. The overhead door may be biased so that when the latch assembly is disengaged, the overhead door automatically opens.

Abstract: A retrofit conversion kit for facilitating the conversion of a door operating apparatus conventionally mounted above the door, to a position mounted and anchored underground for operating a swinging door therefrom. The conversion to an anchored underground position is facilitated by incorporating positional adjustment mechanisms covering any or all possible adjustment dimensions.

Abstract: A bin lid assembly includes a lid member arranged to span across an opening in the roof of a grain storage bin. The lid member is supported by a hinge which is biased towards a closed position extending forwardly across the bin opening from an open position extending rearwardly. An operating linkage is pivotally connected to the lid member and includes a opening arm which is folded relative to the lid member from a first position extending upwardly in the closed position of the lid member to a second position extending rearwardly in the open position of the lid member to allow the lid member to be opened 180 degrees. The linkage also allows a mechanical advantage to be maintained when pulling the lid open using an actuator tether alongside the bin which is connected at an upper end to the opening arm.

Abstract: A roller door system includes a roller assembly configured to mount directly to a panel and move along a complementary upper guide. In particular, the roller assembly can be coupled to a coupling member embedded in the panel. The roller assembly, when coupled with the panel, can provide a smooth gliding motion for the panel.

Abstract: A refrigerator door is provided. The refrigerator door includes a front decoration defining a front external appearance of the refrigerator door, a door liner provided at a rear of the front decoration to define a rear external appearance of the refrigerator door, a pair of cap decorations provided on upper and lower portions of the front decoration to define top and bottom external appearances of the refrigerator door, a pair of door decorations coupled to both sides of the front decoration to define both side external appearances of the refrigerator door, a display portion interposed between the front decoration and the door liner, and an insulating layer interposed between the front decoration and the door liner.

Abstract: A flange engaging strip is provided for engaging a vehicle flange, wherein the flange has a varying thickness along a longitudinal dimension. The flange engaging strip has a closed end and projecting limbs and can include a carrier having a corresponding base and projecting legs that define a constant combined cross sectional length, wherein the cross sectional length of the closed end varies corresponding to the thickness of the flange along a longitudinal dimension of the flange engaging strip.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pivotable, multi-coil spring counterbalance, and method for using the same, which allows the user to readily attach a desired number of coil springs having chosen forces to a counterbalance connector attached to a vertically movable member, thereby providing an offset for at least a portion of the weight thereof.

Abstract: A protective shelter includes an enclosure having at least a floor, at least one sidewall coupled to the floor, a door, and a roof coupled to the at least one sidewall. The roof includes an aperture located proximate the shelter's point of minimum static air pressure during a high-velocity wind event. The protective shelter includes one or more members that elevate the floor above a substrate, a substantially enclosed sub-floor region bounded by the protective shelter and the substrate, and an air duct providing airflow communication between the substantially enclosed sub-floor region and an exterior region of the enclosure via the aperture.

Abstract: A weight system for a landfill tarpaulin. A pair of parallel chains are retained, within a pair of sleeves in the tarp. A plurality of parallel wire lines traverse the tarpaulin. A plurality of elongated coupler bodies are provided with each coupler body having a first end terminating in a eyelet and a second, opposed end terminating in a hollow recess. A fastener passes through one eyelet, and passes through the tarp. At least one wire line fastener passes through an opening in the coupler body to engage one of the wire lines received in the second, opposed end hollow recess.

Abstract: A gutter guard constructed to be mounted on a gutter and to extend from the front to the rear thereof. The gutter guard comprises a central screen portion, a front mounting portion and a rear mounting portion. The central screen portion comprises a fine mesh top layer and a bottom support layer of expanded construction with openings of a desired size. The front mounting portion comprises a first metal sheet folded over and crimped to an adjacent front end of the screen portion. The rear mounting portion comprises a second metal sheet folded over and crimped to an adjacent rear end of the screen portion. The mesh top layer is hemmed to the bottom support layer and they are thereafter roll formed in a new and improved manner to prevent damage to the mesh top layer, to control its tension, and to provide close contact of the mesh top layer to the bottom support layer.

Abstract: A sliding door device has a first pin body provided, at a floor surface; a guide member provided at the door and having a guide groove in which the first pin body fits when the door is closed; and a second pin body that is provided on the floor surface and can be fit in a door groove formed at the door bottom. When the closed door slides in an opening direction and toward the back side of the wall surface, the guide member moves relatively along the first pin body while the first pin body is fit in the guide groove of the guide member. When the door slides further in the opening direction, the second pin body gets in the door groove of the door, and the door slides along the second pin body while the second pin body is fit in the sliding groove of the door.

Abstract: A headwall for a patient's room includes a panel having a vertically-extending front surface, an opening defined in the front surface of the headwall, and a door sized to be received in the opening. The door is vertically movable from a first position where an outer face of the door is flush with the front surface of the panel to a second position where the outer face extends parallel to the front surface and the door is positioned behind the front surface.

Abstract: This invention can be styled infinitely different ways, fit nearly every TV on the market, ship efficiently, and is very easy for the consumer to assemble and install. This unique product is deemed a TV Decorative Accent Wall Panel. This panel is designed to hang behind the wall mounted TV; therefore allowing variations in TV sizes without impeding on the function or appearance. There is a hole in the middle to allow the TV to be mounted directly to the wall. The panels are hinged to allow the product to ship and be inventoried folded up which prevents damage, saves storage space, and is ready for the consumer to unfold and hang on the wall.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention relates to a support arm for a lifting platform, comprising at least one relatively wide support arm and an extension arm telescopically slidable therein, the arms each having torsionally rigid and flexurally stiff hollow profiles, a support bearing at the rear end of the accommodating arm for the pivotable hinging connection to a lifting carriage of a column and a bearing foot at the free end of the respective extension arm. A cost-effective production of support arms in different sizes and shapes is obtained by cutting at least the accommodating arm from a steel panel blank and forming it into a hollow profile and providing it with at least one transverse reinforcement.

Abstract: A rapidly deployable structure for remote installation and method of constructing same is disclosed. The structure includes a plurality of vertical support columns topped with guiding structures. Each guiding structure has a narrow top and flares toward a comparatively wider bottom end. The structures have horizontal members including apertures that interface with the guiding structures as the horizontal members are lowered into place.

Abstract: A modular guy anchor includes an anchor head and an anchor shaft. The anchor head includes a tubular region for receiving the anchor shaft. The anchor shaft has one end that extends into or through the tubular region and is retained therein. The anchor shaft is preferably galvanized steel coated over at least a portion of its length with a corrosion-resistant material. The corrosion-resistant material is preferably applied over any portion of the anchor shaft that is exposed to soil during normal use. The modularity of the guy anchor facilitates stocking, shipping, and installation, while the corrosion resistance of the anchor shaft promotes longevity.