Abstract: Apparatus which can be operated to selectively hide or reveal visual or graphical displays or material. In some embodiments, an apparatus useful for presenting advertising material which can be operated to reveal or display graphical advertising in a display-mode and, conversely, to hide or conceal such graphical advertising when in a conceal-mode.

Abstract: A system is provided for hanging an overhead sign from a ceiling. The system includes an elongated member, a connector member, and a fastening mechanism. The elongated member includes an elongated portion and a set of two nodes formed on opposing ends of the elongated portion. A first node is configured to be coupled to the overhead sign. The connector member includes a hook, an extended portion, and a disk. The extended portion defines a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The hook extends from the first end of the extended portion and is coupled to the second node. The disk extends radially outwardly from the second end of the extended portion for rotatable attachment to the ceiling. The fastening mechanism is inserted through the second node and the hook of the connector member.

Abstract: A wristband business form comprising a non-woven fabric wristband as part of a laser printer processible form. The form has several embodiments including a wristband die cut into a web of non-woven fabric, with the fabric web adhered to a carrier web, or a pre-cut fabric wristband releasably adhered to a carrier web. The fabric wristband may be releasably adhered in any one of several ways including with a plurality of dots of adhesive, a dry release adhesive or a layer of a light tack adhesive. A layer of solvent or acrylic resin or the like may be applied to the fabric wristband to enhance the ability of a laser printer to apply an image, although that is considered as an optional feature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a label for a thermally insulating item which comprises material formed by using a gaseous expansion agent. The label comprises a face material and an adhesive layer, wherein at least one component of the adhesive layer is capable of dealing with the expansion agent escaping from the material of said item. The invention further relates to a labelled thermally insulating item and a method for attaching a label to an item.

Abstract: The invention relates to removable labels having a facestock layer, wherein another side of the facestock layer is overlaminated by a plastic film layer including regenerated cellulose. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such labels and to a method of labelling recyclable or re-usable containers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical aiming device of the type having a light source and a mirror or lens reflecting or projecting an image of a reticle, i.e. a sight, to the eye of a user. The optical aiming device comprises means for attaching the optical aiming device to a weapon, such as a shot gun. The optical aiming device comprises a base part comprising the opticals and at least one attachment member for attaching the base part to the weapon. The base part and at least one attachment member are displaceable with respect to each other. The relative displacement can effectively be used to dampen the recoil force imparted to the base part carrying the sensitive opticals of the optical aiming device, e.g. by at least one force absorbing member.

Abstract: Revolvers with cylinder shrouds include first and second shroud portions, each having a cylindrical wall portion having a length at least as great as the length of a revolver cylinder and an interior surface shaped to be closely spaced apart from an exterior surface portion of the cylinder. The first and second shroud portions each include a fastening mechanism operable to removably connect the first shroud to a revolver frame. The first and second shroud portions each include a fastening element operable to removably connect the first and second shroud portions to the frame to cover the cylinder. The first and second shroud portions may have a major cylindrical wall portion having a radius of curvature centered on axis defined by the cylinder when the first and second shroud portions are connected to the frame.

Abstract: A rifle recoil reduction system is presented for reducing a recoil impact of a rifle. The system includes two parallel spaced-apart spring operated piston assemblies mounted between two spaced-apart plates, separated in part to work simultaneously together to provide an equal amount of pressure to the pistons. The pistons preferably have a pre-load of about 250 kg (550 pounds), and can be changed to increase or decrease the pre-load. A recoil pad is included to provide additional relief to the shooter.

Abstract: An interchangeable barrel system and related method for a pistol includes a barrel insert having an anti-rotation protrusion and a receiver having a complementary configured socket configured for receiving the protrusion. An embodiment of a barrel insert includes a chamber for holding a cartridge and a locking mechanism configured for releasably securing the barrel insert to the receiver. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism comprises a threaded engagement between the barrel insert and receiver. The system allows barrel inserts of different calibers, configurations, and materials to be swapped with the receiver, and vice-versa.

Abstract: This invention is a Mouth-Controller Device for triggering a hand held gun/firearm and controlling its' accessories. Necessary to accommodate this is a battery-pack-receiver located on the gun itself (either in the form of a front hand grip, or block style battery-pack-receiver, and a solenoid/plunger to push the trigger, that resides in a solenoid housing (or optional fluid or pneumatic plunger for trigger push).

Abstract: A Gun/Bow Rest comprising of an adjustable clamp, shaft, and pivoting arm for resting a Gun or Cross Bow while hunting. Hunters can easily carry the disassembled Gun/Bow Rest into the woods and up into a tree stand. The Gun/Bow Rest can be easily attached to most tree stands. Once installed, the Gun/Bow Rest allows hunters to keep the Gun or Cross Bow ready and in position without having to hold it up with one's own arms.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a firearm which may include a frame with a first outer wall, and a second outer wall opposite the first outer wall. A laser module may be disposed between the first and second outer walls. An alignment pin may be in communication with the first outer wall and may be configured to move the laser module relative to the frame.

Abstract: A skin for reclaiming a used or protecting a new fishing lure, a double-wrapped lure, and a related method of making the lure skin, and readying it and shrink wrapping it around a fishing lure, include: (a) a shrink wrappable, paper-thin polyester sheet; (b) a design printed on the polyester sheet, the polyester sheet comprising a design-free zone along its longitudinal side edges; (c) the lure skin forming a tubular shape with open opposite ends for receiving the fishing lure, the longitudinal side edges being adhered to one another, forming a central, lower seam; and (d) between about one and about four spaced apart skin holes in the central, lower seam, each hole corresponding to a belly hook eyelet of the fishing lure. This simplified abstract is not intended to limit, and should not be interpreted as limiting, the scope of the claims.

Abstract: Embodiments of the current invention are directed towards an apparatus for connection to dual and multi hook fishing lures. In an embodiment, a single hook can be loaded over dual hooks via the two eye holes. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention may comprise a dual hook, a wire attachment clip, a joining mechanism (including a sleeve, and a plastic spacer according to one embodiment), and a trailer hook. When attached to the dual hook, the trailer hook point or points ride in a position behind and between the dual hook.

Abstract: A protection device for a fishing lure includes a fishing lure and a hook-releasing unit. The hook-releasing unit can be disposed outside or inside the fishing lure. An end of the hook-releasing unit is connected to a fishing line of a fishing rod. The other end of the hook-releasing is movably connected to a cord of a fishhook. An end of the hook-releasing unit connected to the fishing line has an elastic force of a specific load. When the fishhook is hooked at the bottom of water, pulling the fishing line will generate a force larger than the elastic force of the elastic body to thereby release the hook-releasing unit from the cord of the fishhook, so that the fishing lure can be taken back. The present invention is simple in structure, easy to use, and suitable for all existing fishing lure, and protects a wide range of fishing lures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stem guide that is configured to receive a replaceable cartridge. The stem guide includes a cartridge receiving end having a cartridge attachment means for attaching the cartridge to the stem guide in a manner that the cartridge can be removed from the stem guide without causing an amount of damage to either the cartridge or the stem guide which prevents either the cartridge or stem guide from being used again. The stem guide may be provided in a kit form with a variety of replaceable floats, scent sticks and light sticks.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, an improved fish finder apparatus is provided that allows for the apparatus to be attached to and removed from a fishing line without need to cut said fishing line. This is achieved by providing an improved fish finder apparatus with a channel for receiving fishing line, thread or other filamentous material. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that any type of fishing line, thread, or other filamentous material could be used with embodiments of the present invention, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any fishing line, thread or other filamentous material.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying or transport fishing leaders, with the idea of protecting fishermen from injuries while handling or transporting fishing leaders and also avoid the hassle of tangled fishing leaders. The apparatus will enable the fisherman to have handy and readily available fishing leaders, saving precious time while fishing. The apparatus has several sections in its body so as to house leaders of different sizes. The apparatus is basically two PVC pipes partially sliding one within the other, with a spring in its interior so as to keep the leaders always stretched.

Abstract: This small hive beetle trap is constructed using common corrugated cardboard method using natural pheromones and a glue substance that's environmentally safe to the applicator, honeybees and natural pollinators. There are no chemical residues transferred to the honey or beeswax. This small hive beetle trap does not add any extraneous construction to the standard beehive. The trap is placed inside the hive around the perimeter of the foundations. Traps can be used all year long.

Abstract: An device for attracting and capturing an insect is provided. The device includes a housing which defines an interior space and a plurality of entrances in open communication with the interior space, a downwardly sloping panel coupled to and disposed within the housing, and an adhesive attached to at least a portion of the bottom surface of the downwardly sloping panel. The downwardly sloping panel and the housing together define a tapering passageway which leads to a crevice opposite at least one of the plurality of entrances, and the adhesive attached to the bottom surface of the panel is adapted to capture the insect.

Abstract: Disclosed are designs and methods for integrating heating film onto surfaces and enclosures that are useful for preventing the infestation of pests. Specifically, designs to increase the effective heating area and location of said heating film within enclosures such as suitcases. Also, the use of heating films to create a thermal barrier to prevent pests from crawling across a surface. Heating films can be utilized that are inexpensive, low-profile, and lightweight.

Abstract: Method for processing a lignocellulosic biomass material, comprising (a) a pretreatment process, in which the biomass is prepared for enzymatic hydrolysis, and (b) a subsequent hydrolysis process, in which the pretreated biomass is subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis of its cellulosic components to convert them into sugars, wherein the pretreatment process (a) is carried out in the presence of a tertiary polyamide additive. The additive may be used to improve the efficiency of the hydrolysis process (b). Also provided are processes for the production of a fermentation product from lignocellulosic biomass, and/or for the production of a biofuel or biofuel component.

Abstract: The present application generally relates to the introduction of a renewable fuel oil as a feedstock into refinery systems or field upgrading equipment. For example, the present application is directed to methods of introducing a liquid thermally produced from biomass into a petroleum conversion unit; for example, a refinery fluid catalytic cracker (FCC), a coker, a field upgrader system, a hydrocracker, and/or hydrotreating unit; for co-processing with petroleum fractions, petroleum fraction reactants, and/or petroleum fraction feedstocks and the products, e.g., fuels, and uses and value of the products resulting therefrom.

Abstract: A Novel fuel object comprised of a proportion of switch grass and a proportion of wood fiber combined with a basically reacting compound. The fuel comprises fiber of the appropriate size and moisture content combined with an inorganic base. An appropriately sized fuel object is readily manufactured, provides high heat output, is consistent in fuel characteristics, and is sized and configured for use in power generation facilities. Based on fiber selection and processing, the fuel object may be used in a variety of current power generation technologies including stoker, fluidized bed, gasifier, cyclonic, direct-fired, and pulverized coal technologies, and results in significant reduction of air emissions (including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrochloric acid, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and mercury) compared to coal with no loss of boiler or furnace efficiency.

Abstract: A device for separating a solid matter-containing, liquid and pumpable tar suspension from a coking reaction with direct use of the separated solid matter contained therein. The device consists of a centrifuge, which is arranged in the upper inner region of a carbon-storing container, and the centrifuge is equipped with a feed nozzle for solid matter-containing, liquid tar and with a discharge nozzle for liquid tar centrifugate. In the lower part, the centrifuge is equipped with an outlet for the solid matter contained in the tar, whereby the tar-containing solid matter obtained from the tar suspension does not have to be delivered or transported. Also disclosed is a method is for separating a solid matter-containing, liquid and pumpable tar suspension with delivery-free use of the separated solid matter contained therein using the device and to the use of the coal mixed with the solid matter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plant support device having a wire construction and a rectangular cross section that tapers from an upper region to a base region. The device comprises a plurality of rectangular support members attaching at their corners to upstanding post members forming a wire cage that supports a growing plant within its internal volume. The base region includes a plurality of downwardly elongated stake members that are adapted to be depressed into a soil surface, while a plurality of stake extension members are further provided for elevating the overall structure as the plant grows and requires more elevated support. The extension members are stake members having a stake receiving post and a threaded set screw for securing the extension to the base of each ground stake.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of improving germination rates of plants or crops, and of preventing or arresting water evaporation loss from targeted soil areas by use of soil additives, which allow for improved water utilization by crops, plants, grasses, vegetation, etc.

Abstract: A plant cultivation method of the present invention includes the steps of: placing a plant under a condition at a pressure of not less than 1.5 atmospheres and not more than 10 atmospheres; and cultivating the plant. A plant cultivation device (1) includes: a cultivation chamber (10); and a compressor (20) which supplies compressed air into the cultivation chamber. A carry-in opening (30), which is provided on a side wall (16) of the cultivation chamber (10) so that a material is carried in/out to/from the cultivation chamber (10) via the carry-in opening (30), is provided with a cover (31) which has a shape that is hemispherical and protrudes toward an inside of the cultivation chamber (10). The cover (31) closes the carry-in opening (30) by being in contact, via a packing (32), with an inner surface of the side wall (16) surrounding the carry-in opening (30).

Abstract: The present invention provides a hanging planter for growing plants upside down. Because the planter has a flat bottom, plants may be grown in the planter right side up. At a convenient time the planter may be turned to hang upside down.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a freestanding vertical horticultural apparatus for commercial and/or home use for growing of plants in containers includes a plurality of containers arranged in a plurality of mutually vertically spaced groups which are rotatably supported in brackets by an elongated vertical spindle through which is routed a pressurized fluid supply line which is coupled to a spray emitter by way of a flow adjustment valve. At a flow rate determined by the valve, the emitter sprays irrigation fluid inside a hollow distributor body positioned at the top of the apparatus. The lower portion of the distributor body is segmented into a plurality of sumps, each of which feeds a substantially uniform quantity of the fluid under gravity to each respective one of the containers by way of a respective fluid delivery tube, one of which is coupled to the lower portion of each sump.

Abstract: An improved active grate consisting of at least two elongated rockers positioned parallel to one and another, each rocker having a lower surface and an upper surface and configured to rotate back and forth about their longitudinal axis. Each individual rocker is further configured to rotate in the opposite direction of the adjacent rockers such that any pair of adjacent rockers alternately forms a void allowing material to pass through active grate when rotating in one direction into a first position, and closes the void when rotated in the opposite direction in a second position. The active grate finds particular utility in a combined gasification/vitrification waste treatment system, where it is used to pass partially oxidized materials from a gasification chamber to a vitrification chamber. The rockers include a coolant loop through the longitudinal axis of the rockers.

Abstract: A barrier control apparatus and method for controlling movement of a barrier are provided to allow a user the ability to move a barrier without physically contacting the barrier. For example, the barrier control apparatus maintains a defined distance between an object such as a hand and a defined location relative to the barrier such that movement of the barrier follows movement of the object. In this way, a user is able to maintain control of the movement of the barrier throughout the opening and closing process. The barrier control apparatus is further able to detect gestures made by the user and can control movement of the barrier accordingly.

Abstract: A self-illuminating fire door includes a door body (10) and a door frame (20), each having a front and a rear sides respectively, includes a self-illuminating member (30) on at least one side of the door body (10) and the door frame (20). The self-illuminating member (30) is made in self-illuminating material and constructed into a block unit, a rod unit or a flat film body unit. The block unit or the rod unit is mounted onto the door body (10) or the door frame (20) at one or both sides. The flat film unit is stick or bonded onto the door body (10) or the door frame (20) at one or both sides. The self-illuminating material is alkaline earth alluminate material, a light-storing type self-illuminating material. The fire door can illuminate under a dark condition or at night, thereby guiding people to exit route to escape from the fire.

Abstract: Provided is a flush glass assembly for a vehicle. The flush glass assembly is constructed so that, when a moving glass is opened, a direction of the force which a user applies to a handle is the same horizontal direction as that in which the moving glass slides to open.

Abstract: A damping device that includes an arm having a longitudinally extending slot and a cylinder cut-out defined therein, and a damping assembly secured in the cylinder cut-out. The damping assembly includes a cylinder housing with a chamber having a piston and fluid disposed therein. The piston includes a rod with a head on a distal end thereof that extends outside the cylinder housing and into the slot. The damping assembly includes a biasing member extending between the cylinder housing and the head.

Abstract: A damping device that includes an arm having a longitudinally extending slot and a cylinder cut-out defined therein, and a damping assembly secured in the cylinder cut-out. The damping assembly includes a cylinder housing with a chamber having a piston and fluid disposed therein. The piston includes a rod with a head on a distal end thereof that extends outside the cylinder housing and into the slot. The damping assembly includes a biasing member extending between the cylinder housing and the head.

Abstract: A protection cover mechanism is disclosed. A hollow hinge tube is connected to a protective cover. A first hinge cover body is connected to the hollow hinge tube and includes a positioning rib. A spring is disposed in the first hinge cover body and abuts the hollow hinge tube. A hollow driven member is movably disposed in the first hinge cover body and abuts the spring. The spring is abutted between the hollow hinge tube and the hollow driven member. The hollow driven member includes a protrusion. The positioning rib is positioned on the hollow driven member, forcing the hollow driven member to move linearly with respect to the first hinge cover body. A fixing base includes a hollow tube fit on the hollow driven member and having an annular inner guide track with an undulated profile. The protrusion abuts the annular inner guide track.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing polycrystalline abrasive elements consisting of micron, sub-micron or nano-sized ultrahard abrasives dispersed in micron, sub-micron or nano-sized matrix materials. A plurality of ultrahard abrasive particles having vitreophilic surfaces are coated with a matrix precursor material in a refined colloidal process and then treated to render them suitable for sintering. The matrix precursor material can be converted to an oxide, nitride, carbide, oxynitride, oxycarbide, or carbonitride, or an elemental form thereof. The coated ultrahard abrasive particles are consolidated and sintered at a pressure and temperature at which they are crystallographically or thermodynamically stable.

Abstract: A gutter protector for keeping debris out of a gutter while permitting rain to enter therein comprises a panel, with a lower layer comprising a compressed fibrous non-woven material attached to an upper layer comprising a plastic screen. The panel includes a securing lip, formed below a longitudinal recess in an upper front edge, with the securing lip extending outwardly below the recess. The securing lip fits in a C-shaped channel of the gutter and raises the upper front edge of the gutter protector above the front of the gutter. This allows debris to fall off the gutter. An integral spring hinge, formed in the panel by two V-shaped longitudinal grooves with a finger between them, permits the panel to be resiliently bent into an angle of greater than ninety-degrees for mounting and positioning the securing lip in the gutter.

Abstract: An architectural system adaptable to patient acuity level has a headwall unit with a cavity, a ceiling unit, and a column coupled to the ceiling unit. The column is movable between a first position in which at least a majority of the column is situated in the cavity and a second position in which the column is situated outside the cavity. Various types of patient-care equipment is also disclosed. The patient-care equipment is included in, or is coupleable to, one or more of the ceiling unit, the headwall unit, or the column.

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.

Abstract: Disclosed are an earthquake-resistant structure and an earthquake-resistant construction method which secure survival space and breathable space in a building even when the building is damaged by an earthquake, thus suppressing victims originating from earthquake disaster. Partitions inside the building are removed, and steel racks that support the dead load of a building above the floors when the structure framework of the building is damaged by an earthquake are disposed in an exclusive area in the building to partition the exclusive area into rooms. Joint members or the like which connect a plurality of steel racks are attached to hold the layout form of the steel racks.

Abstract: The invention is directed to develop for the construction method for strong resistance to the earthquake according to new architecture rationale which all construction for building should be founded on the platform to be moved in alignment with the movement of the earthquake eliminating any piles to drive into the earth to adhere and building materials to combine each other firmly, by means of converting the vibration energy of the earthquake into the kinetic energy either to run idle the balls or to operate the up and down movement of the cylinder applied to the pile as the leg of the building rested on the ground in alignment with the movement of earthquake to deteriorate efficiency of transmissibility or to consume away for vibration energy of the earthquake as much as possible from an architectural point of view, it were just like idling operation as if car tires have sunk into sand.

Abstract: A device is provided to improve the installation of a window frame within a window opening comprising a clip, a track, a base plate, and an elevator attachment. The device of the invention and the method of utilizing the device improve the efficiency and effectiveness of current installation methods by providing rapid installation of a frame that is centered and true and additionally vertically adjustable via an elevator attachment.

Abstract: The foldable sliding wall includes at least a first and a second wall element that are pivotally connected to one another and pivotally held by a first and a second head carriage, which are displaceably supported in a head rail. A first head fitting is mounted at the upper side of the first wall element and is connected to a first shaft, which is supported in a first carriage body of the first head carriage and a second head fitting is mounted at the upper side of the second wall element and is connected to a second shaft, which is supported in a second carriage body of the second head carriage.

Abstract: A transition corner or drywall corner which transitions from a rounded exterior corner to a right angle corner at the trim. The transition corner has an exterior side with depressions which receive mud, an elevated longitudinal bead along an apex of an acute angle of the exterior side which facilitates the receipt of mud. The interior side is shaped to be received by the shape of an exterior corner, which is generally rounded, and is coated with an adhesive means to allow fixing and adjustment of the transition corner at the trim to be in vertical alignment with the exterior corner.

Abstract: Floorboards for making a floating floor have a core (30) which includes at least two layers of material (L1, L2), which are arranged at different distances from the surface layer (31), and which differ in respect of material properties or material composition. Semi manufactures for making such floorboards are also disclosed.

Abstract: Floor panels are provided with a mechanical locking system including a flexible locking element in a locking groove which during a horizontal motion is displaced vertically.

Abstract: A multi-layer, thermal insulation quilt (1) comprises two spaced apart, outer layers (2, 3) at least one of which is a reflective thermal insulation layer, between which outer layers there is provided at least one inner layer (4) of thermal insulation, characterised in that the outer layers (2, 3) secured together by a non-metallic, common restraining tag (5) of such length, that the tag (5) determines the maximum separation of the outer layers (2, 3) but effects no compressive loading on the or each thermal insulation layer (4).

Abstract: A combined concrete material, including: a concrete; a reinforcing bar, the reinforcing bar disposed inside the concrete; and a decorative sheet, the decorative sheet including: a flat part, a first junction, and a second junction. The concrete, the reinforcing bar, and the decorative sheet are fixed together as one whole body. The decorative sheet is disposed outside the concrete, and the inner surface of the flat part is attached to the outer surface of the concrete. The first junction and the second junction are disposed on two ends of the flat part. The inner surface of the flat part is concave and forms a dovetail slot. Neighboring decorative sheets are connected together via the first junction and the second junction, which are embedded in the concrete.