Abstract: A new structure made of collagen for improving promotion of nerve tissue regeneration, curing and regeneration of a defective part of a soft biological tissue and so on without using laminin or nerve growth factor (NGF), and a member for tissue regeneration including the same. The structure made of collagen has a thin film multilocular formation and is therefore a new structure different from a colloid form, a gel form, and a fiber form. When the new structure made of collagen is used as a member for tissue regeneration, surprisingly, promotion of regeneration, shortening of a treatment period, functional recovery, or the like of bodily tissue such as nerve tissue, subdermal tissue, submucosal tissue, membranous tissue, fat tissue, muscle tissue, skin tissue, and gingival tissue can be improved. When the structure is used in a patient having neuropathic pain, the member has an effect on the disappearance of the pain.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compact device (that may be installed onto a mobile or stationary platform) for conversion of waste to sources of energy or fertilizer. The device includes multiple stages for efficient conversation and processing of waste into energy or fertilizer, including a first stage for reducing a size of received waste, a second stage for compressing the reduced sized waste into partially dehydrated waste, a third stage for grinding and further compression of received waste from second stage to pulverize the constituent parts into highly dense substantially dehydrated pellets or fertilizers, with a fourth stage for further drying of the received pellets or fertilizers and a final fifth stage for cooling the received pellets or fertilizers into highly dense pellets. The device of the present invention further includes a controller for controlling each operational stage.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for removing a solvent from a solvent wetted surface of a heat exchange tube. The method includes placing the heat exchange tube in a vacuum chamber, evacuating the vacuum chamber to a lower pressure at which the solvent boils to a vapor, and reclaiming the solvent vapor. The method may include heating the heat exchange tube within the vacuum chamber to a temperature of at least room temperature, but below the solvent's flash point temperature. The apparatus includes a vacuum chamber, a vacuum pump for evacuating the vacuum chamber and a solvent reclaimer for recovering solvent vapor. The apparatus may also include an infrared heater, a radiant heater or other non-flame heater. The method and apparatus may be used for removing solvent from a heat exchange tube having an inside surface wetted with a solvent carrying a dry lubricant.

Abstract: An apparatus for recuperating heat from a convection dryer comprises an exhaust air conduit having an exhaust inlet adapted to receive exhaust air from a convection dryer, and an exhaust outlet adapted to exhaust the exhaust air. An ambient air conduit has an ambient inlet adapted to receive ambient air, and an ambient outlet adapted to feed the ambient air toward a convection dryer. A heat exchanger unit has a first conduit portion within the exhaust air conduit and a second conduit portion within the ambient air conduit, the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion being arranged concurrently in a heat exchanger configuration for the ambient air to absorb heat from the exhaust air when passing therethrough. A filtering device is in the exhaust air conduit upstream of the heat exchanger unit for filtering airborne residue out of the exhaust air.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes upper and a sole structure. The upper defines an interior void that is configured to receive the sole structure and a foot. A lower surface of the upper defines a plurality of apertures, and the sole structure includes a plurality of projections that extend through the apertures to form a ground-engaging surface. The projections are connected to a foot-supporting member that remains within the upper. A locking system is incorporated into the upper and sole structure to secure the sole structure to the upper.

Abstract: A present invention shaft arrangement for footwear comprises a shaft bottom having a water vapor permeable installation sole and having a shaft bottom functional layer laminate and a shaft region having an outer material ply and having a liner ply. The sole sided shaft end region is connected to the shaft bottom, and there is provided at least one suction element which extends from a region between the outer material ply and the liner ply of the shaft region into a region underneath the shaft bottom functional layer laminate in order that moisture be transported away from the region between the outer material ply and the liner ply of the shaft region into the region underneath the shaft bottom functional layer laminate.

Abstract: A tongue for a shoe is disclosed, especially a sports shoe, having at least one closure passage which is arranged on the outside of an upper region of the tongue when the shoe is in use, and a closure receiving pocket, which is arranged at the back of the closure passage towards a user. A shoe provided with such a tongue is also disclosed.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed. According to the present invention there is provided a light-weight shoe having a sole with a hard upper section in the form of a plate with high rigidity at the lateral part, and a highly compressible lower section. Due to the soft materials used in the lower section, and due to the recesses and grooves at the ground facing side, the total average density between the hard upper section and the ground is very low. Due to the specific location of the plate and the recesses the shoe facilitates optimal body alignment in standing, walking and running.

Abstract: Footwear including an integrated orthotics system provides support with progressive resistance in pronation and supenation motions of the foot during a gait cycle. The orthotics system includes an orthotic device between the mid-sole and the outsole and extend from the rear foot's calcaneus region to the forefoot region where the phalanges and metatarsal joints meets. The orthotic device includes contours mimicking a foot sole shape in an unloaded state. The orthotic system may also include a secondary external orthotic device embedded underneath the outsole to provide control in the mid foot region to achieve progressive compression resistance in the mid foot arch zones. The secondary device may be customizable to achieve a wide range of resistance level needed in mid foot compression by the wearer. The orthotics combined with the midsole and outsole provide progressive mid foot compression resistance and directional flex associated with pronatory motions of the foot.

Abstract: The invention provides bicycling shoes and bicycling shoe components that offer improved comfort, fit, increased efficiency and reduced incidence of injury. The invention includes an athletic shoe having a sole, an upper attached to the sole to form a toe box, a vamp, a quarter, a throat and an interior cavity, a tongue attached to the upper proximate the toe box, and a closure system adapted to close and secure the tongue on a foot of a user. The closure system comprises at least two straps and two loops that are secured by drawing one end of a strap across the top of the upper, through a loop, and back over the upper, to connect with an opposing end of the strap, and, at least two straps are positioned on the upper to intersect a toe-to-heel line at a strap angle between about 95 degrees and about 120 degrees.

Abstract: A boot is disclosed having at least two fastening devices, including lacing systems, and a boot body. The boot body has an upper zone for at least partially enclosing a wearer's calf and shin; a lower zone for at least partially enclosing the wearer's forefoot; and a middle zone located between the upper zone and the lower zone, which encloses the wearer's heel and ankle joint. The middle zone can be fastened, by being laced with one of the lacing systems, independently of the upper zone and independently of the lower zone.

Abstract: A boot is disclosed that includes a shell which encloses a user's foot and at least part of his lower leg, a shell tongue attached to the shell, and a sock-like liner having a tongue. The sock-like liner is arranged in the shell and extends over a portion of from 20% to 80% of the height of the shell, such as to approximately half the height of the shell, while the tongue extends over a portion of from 80% to 130% of the height of the shell, such as to approximately 110% of the total height of the shell.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an item of footwear with sole protection. The footwear has an upper adapted to receive a foot of the wearer; a sole secured to the upper and adapted to be the interface between the wearer and the ground; and a puncture resistant layer embedded into the sole so as to provide the sole protection for the foot of the wearer, the puncture resistant layer having an outer edge exceeding an inner perimeter of the item of footwear defined by a junction between the upper and the sole.

Abstract: A sports banner twirling device for retaining a sports banner or towel with a grasping mechanism located at the end of an extension arm clipped to a spindle projecting upward and axially aligned along the longitudinal axis of the handle held by the user. The extension arm can be articulating or non-articulating and houses at its distal end a sports banner grasping mechanism for receiving and retaining a portion of the sports banner for twirling until manually removed. Sports team indicia can also be mounted to the side faces of said handle.

Abstract: An LED lighting device with backup switching function has a device main body, configured with at least one LED fitting part and one power supply part. At least one LED component is configured on the LED fitting part and has a main lighting circuit. A backup lighting circuit is fitted inside the same LED component as the main lighting circuit or inside a different LED component. A backup switching processor is electrically connected to and fitted between the main lighting circuit and backup lighting circuit and is connected to the power supply. Based on the automatic detection function of the backup switching processor, in case of short circuit or broken circuit of the main lighting circuit, the switching processor will automatically switch to the backup lighting circuit and maintain continuous lighting of the LED component, and consequently increase the lifecycle of the LED component and reduce repair frequency and cost.

Abstract: A safety sign that has a front panel with cut out letters or numbers that form the word or message of the sign. Behind the front panel a predetermined distance can be a reflective panel or other surface. Light from an oncoming vehicle can reflect from this reflective panel through the cut out letters causing the sign to function like any other safety sign when not lighted. One or more light sources like LEDs can be mounted facing the reflective panel at angles so that light from these sources is reflected from the reflective panel and out through the cut out letters causing the sign to increase significantly in visibility at night or in other low light conditions. Further light sources can be located around the periphery of the sign or around the word or words on the sign. All or part of the light sources can be made to blink, and the system can optionally be made to turn off during the daytime. The sign can be run from AC power or battery power.

Abstract: In order to better aid consumers of prescription medicine and the like in efficient and rapid identification of the correct pill to be taken from among multiple containers, a novel group of articles of manufacture adapted for use with end-use prescription medicine containers at least includes a plurality of predetermined medicine purpose types corresponding to different types of medical or vitality purposes that underlying medicines are targeted to treat or address. Each article of manufacture is adapted to be coupled to an end-use, target prescription medicine container by an end-user or pharmacy function, and each article of manufacture at least includes an ideogram adapted to encourage a psychological association with, and identification of, the medicine expected to be placed in the target prescription medicine container to which the article of manufacture is adapted, and each article of manufacture is associated with a particular medicine purpose type.

Abstract: An inherently ink printable multi-layer labelstock film having a substrate core layer comprising a polymeric material and at least one skin layer which is ink printable, the ink printable skin layer comprising a copolyester.

Abstract: An attachable display device that promotes brand awareness is provided. The device includes a display part having a display area to display an image and a securing portion and a mounting part having an upper portion disposed and secured inside the display part and a lower portion having at least one hole defined therein. The mounting part wraps around an object such that the securing portion engages the at least one hole to secure the display device to the object.

Abstract: An art frame includes a three-dimensional supporting frame, which includes an image receiving surface and an opposed back surface, a center portion defining a perimeter, and at least three foldable extensions extending from the perimeter. Each foldable extension includes two folds to be folded toward the back surface to form a frame portion. Abutting frame portions form respective corners of the three-dimensional supporting frame. A corner mount is to be inserted into the abutting frame portions at the respective corners. Each corner mount includes first and second opposed surfaces, a shaped portion, and two corner mount foldable extensions extending from two sides of the shaped portion. Each corner mount foldable extension includes two tabs to be folded toward the first opposed surface. An adhesive layer is established on the second opposed surface and is to be adhered to the back surface of the three-dimensional supporting frame at the respective corners.

Abstract: A small, lightweight multi-shot pistol, preferably includes a readily field removable receiver having two barrels in an over/under configuration. The butt of the pistol includes a storage chamber holding two spare cartridges. The single trigger is a double action trigger. The configuration of the pistol is such that two shots may be rapidly fired in a “double tap” manner, and the receiver can then be released using a thumb latch, whereby the receiver will be tilted upward and an auto-ejector will eject the spent cartridges. The spare cartridges are held together using a speed loader device which holds them so that they are properly aligned for speedy insertion into the breach of the tilted receiver.

Abstract: A device and method introduces the use of conventional ammunitions to the archery/bow hunting industry. The device achieves stealthy delivery of firearm munitions and increases the firepower of standard arrows resulting in deeper penetration into a target. The device consists generally of a cylindrical housing threaded internally on one end for attachment to a firing pin. A cartridge is loaded into the housing until the flange on the cartridge casing abuts an interior shoulder. In an alternate embodiment, the interior of the housing further includes an annular retaining tab. The retaining tab separates the cartridge from the firing pin to prevent inadvertent discharge. A cap or nosecone may be included to further protect the device from accidental discharge of the cartridge and to provide aerodynamic advantages. The housing may further include a set of stabilizing vanes.

Abstract: A method of making a hand guard for a semi-automatic or automatic rifle is provided. The method including the steps of: forming a first portion of the hand guard from a first material; inserting the formed first portion into a mold; and molding a second portion of the hand guard about the first portion, the second portion being a second material, the second material being different from the first material, wherein a first section of the first portion is completely encased by the second portion and a second section of the first portion is not encased by the second portion.

Abstract: A Glock firearm handgrip is modified to accept a removable ergonomic insert that changes the palm relief of the firearm. A portion of the rounded rear wall of the grip is cut away along a plane parallel to the back plate of the magazine to create a well for the introduction of the insert. The rear surface of the back plate and the converging interior surfaces of the rear wall are used as butting surfaces to hold in place the insert. A prong with a distal latch in the insert is provided for engagement with a transverse pin passed through the sidewalls of the grip. The insert is also preferably equipped with two wings adapted to engage the beveled lower edge of the magazine's back plate. Several inserts with different profiles are provided to a user to select the most comfortable and/or appropriate for him or her.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a gun having an off-hand grip adjustably coupled to a handguard and spaced apart from a grip with a trigger located between the grip and the off-hand grip. The off-hand grip has a first end and a second end that is distal from the first end. The off-hand grip includes a pivot located adjacent the first end such that the off-hand grip is pivotable with respect to the handguard. The off-hand grip is also pivotable between a use position where the off-hand grip longitudinally extends about transverse from the barrel, and a stowed position where the off-hand grip is longitudinally adjacent the barrel.

Abstract: In embodiments, a modular rifle includes a lower receiver assembly, an upper receiver assembly housing a barrel, and a coupling mechanism. Upper receiver assembly has two portions, an aft portion and fore portion, commonly comprising a hand guard. The barrel is releasably attached to the upper receiver first portion by a hand-tightenable barrel nut sleeve connector. Upper receiver second portion is both releasably attached to the barrel nut connector sleeve and to the upper receiver first portion to prevent the barrel nut connector sleeve from rotating during firing of the rifle and to keep the second portion from detaching during firing of the rifle. Attachment of upper receiver second portion to the barrel nut connector sleeve is accomplished by a removable take-down pin and common screw clamp, which secure the barrel nut connector sleeve. Upper receiver first and second portions are connected by an attachment tab and receptacle.

Abstract: A firearm receiver apparatus comprises a receiver body and a light emitting device. The receiver body includes a bolt carrier bore and a cartridge ejection port. The bolt carrier bore extends between first and second end portions of the receiver body. The cartridge ejection port extends through a sidewall of the receiver body and intersects the bolt carrier bore. The light emitting device is attached to the sidewall in a manner for causing at least a portion of a beam of light emitted therefrom to be directed through the cartridge ejection port into the bolt carrier bore.

Abstract: A bipod kit for a firearm has a bipod leg mounting body and a firearm structural component. The bipod leg mounting body has a substantially round central passage defining an interior side surface thereof and has two leg mounting structures on an exterior side surface thereof generally opposite the interior side surface. The firearm structural component can be mounted on the firearm at an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) mounting structure thereof. The firearm structural component includes a bipod mounting portion integral therewith. The bipod mounting portion is cylindrical and is rotatably mounted within the central passage of the bipod leg mounting body. The bipod mounting portion is configured such that a barrel of the firearm extends through a central passage thereof when the firearm structural component is mounted on the firearm at the OEM mounting structure thereof.

Abstract: A fishing line guide having a line guide ring inclined to a tip side, and an angle of junction between the line guide ring and right and left side support legs made smaller at a butt side than at a tip side, and a hook concave portion, where the right and left support legs have outer contour surfaces and the right and left support legs are curved outwardly and continuously with respect to right and left tangential lines of the line guide ring.

Abstract: An apparatus for attracting fish by inducing motion in the water. The tackle includes a fin that imparts motion to the tackle when the tackle is deployed and moves relative to water. A weighted body having a cabochon shape includes a fin member that extends perpendicular to a flat surface of the body. The tackle includes a fish hook oriented such that the fin is positioned between the barb and the shaft of the fish hook. In various embodiments, the hook shaft and fin are on the same side of the body or opposite sides. In other embodiments, the fin is attached to the flat surface or the ovoid surface of the body, either directly or in a channel.

Abstract: A fishing lure has a body and a hook. The hook has a shank that extends from the body, a bend and a point. The hook is lying in a hook plane. A brush guard has bristles that extend from the head to a blocking position in front of the hook point. The bristles are spread apart to either side of the hook plane. An elastomeric band around the lure body retains the bristles in a spread apart configuration. The spread apart bristles create a laterally wider brush guard so as to prevent snagging of the hook point no matter what the orientation of the lure in the water might be.

Abstract: A customized fishing lure system having a lip and a body. The lip being adapted to provide resistance when said fishing lure is moved within water. The body having a keyway adapted to receive, engage and lock the lip. The lip being adapted to releasably engage with the body without the need of another structural element or hand-tool. The lip further having a stem portion and a protrusion portion being adapted to releasably engage within the keyway. The lip is not capable of being releasably disengaged from the body by merely apply a longitudinal tensile force to the lip. The lip is releasably engaged within the keyway by applying a rotational force no greater than 360 degrees.

Abstract: A weighted fishing lure system for use in a covered area comprising: a weighted lure body portion, where said lure body portion includes an football shape; at least one tail extending from one end of the weighted body portion; and a hook assembly, where the hook assembly includes a hook, where said hook inserts into the body portion, further hook assembly including a first eyelet, a hook assembly body, a hook connector, a hook eyelet and a stem extending from the hood eyelet. The weighted body may cover the entire hook for use in the covered area. In an alternative embodiment, the weighted body covers a portion of the hook for use in a clear area.

Abstract: A system for trapping animals includes a cable and an enclosure adapted to be suspended above a trap area by the cable. A release mechanism includes a pivotable member, and the pivotable member is configured to rotate about a pivot support between an engaged position and a released position. The pivotable member in the engaged position supports the cable to hold the enclosure in a suspended position, and the pivotable member in the released position releases the cable to allow the enclosure to fall from the suspended position and enclose the trap area. The system further includes an actuator, which in an extended position holds the pivotable member in the engaged position. In a retracted position, the actuator releases the pivotable member to allow the pivotable member to rotate into the released position.

Abstract: A collapsible fish trap. The fish trap has a funnel and a swing door. The fish trap uses biodegradable screws and a latching system. The fish trap is made to collapse after a certain period of time of being in the water.

Abstract: Techniques, systems, apparatus and material are disclosed for regeneration or recycling of carbon substances into renewable fuel and materials. In one aspect, a method of recycling carbon to produce a renewable fuel can include harvesting carbon donors, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), emitted from an agricultural process. Hydrogen donors, such as from biomass waste, can be dissociated under an anaerobic reaction to produce hydrogen. The harvested carbon dioxide can be reacted with the waste-produced hydrogen under pressure and temperature to generate a renewable fuel, such as methanol fuel.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion of light fuel oil, and a process for the stabilization of a water-in-oil emulsion of a light fuel oil are described.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for the production of biofuel, said process comprising, pretreating a feedstock, mixing a catalyst with said feedstock, transferring the mixture of catalyst and feedstock into a reactor,and subjecting said mixture to a heating sequence by applying microwave energy thereto, wherein the catalyst comprises an aluminosillicate mineral, the percentage of aluminosillicate mineral in the catalyst-feedstock mixture is less than 10% (w/w), and the temperature of the mixture of catalyst and feedstock is no higher than 450° C. during the process.

Abstract: The system and method described herein provide for the higher production rate fractionation of biomass for the purpose of selectively separating specific volatile components, which may subsequently be used in the production of a renewable liquid fuel, such as gasoline. Increased production rates of processing of biomass or other feedstock is achieved through the use of sealed reaction chambers, which may be transferred in a sealed configuration between stations in a multi-station processing system. Also, the present invention considers the use of piston assemblies for the dual functions of controlling fluid intake and exhaust (in combination with valves) and for providing a more robust and more cost effective sealing mechanism. The present invention may also achieve improved uniformity of biomass processing through the introduction of a mechanical agitator designed to mix the biomass during processing.

Abstract: A multi-stage process and system for converting solid particulate biomass in a riser reactor having at least two different reaction zones. A lower reaction zone is configured to optimize pyrolysis of the biomass into pyrolysis products, while an upper reaction zone is configured to efficiently crack the pyrolysis products. The relative residence times and/or temperatures of the upper and lower reaction zones can be controlled to optimize product quality and yield.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to the field of biofuel synthesis. More specifically, the invention relates to processes for the synthesis of biofuels from organic materials including lignocellulosic biomass and coal. Also provided are biofuel products obtained from processes of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing fuel from organic waste or biomass in a gasification process comprising the burning of organic waste or biomass and the recovery of the gasification residue. The method comprises at least the following steps: organic aqueous waste or biomass (M; M1) is fed in a combustion chamber (1); oxygen-bearing pressurized regeneration gas (G) is also fed in said combustion chamber (1); a continuous, pressurized combustion process is maintained in the combustion chamber, without adding an external oxygen source or heat in the process, so that the combustion of organic waste or biomass is carried out with the oxygen content of 0.

Abstract: The use of imidazolium salts (I) where R1 and R3 are each independently an organic radical having 1 to 3000 carbon atoms, R2, R4 and R5 are each independently hydrogen or an organic radical having 1 to 3000 carbon atoms, X is an anion and n is the number 1, 2 or 3 as additives for fuels, especially as detergent additives for diesel fuels, as wax antisettling additives for middle distillate fuels and as lubricity improvers, and for improving the use properties of mineral and synthetic nonaqueous industrial fluids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to irrigation systems for irrigating a growing medium. The irrigation systems of the invention comprise a helical tubular hydrophilic membrane or a corrugated tubular hydrophilic membrane. The invention also relates to methods of irrigating a growing medium, and helical tubular hydrophilic membranes for use in an irrigation system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to irrigation systems for irrigating a growing medium. The irrigation systems of the invention comprise a helical tubular hydrophilic membrane or a corrugated tubular hydrophilic membrane. The invention also relates to methods of irrigating a growing medium, and helical tubular hydrophilic membranes for use in an irrigation system.

Abstract: Plant vigor machines and methods for enhancing plant vigor are disclosed. The machine comprises a corona discharge cell to create an electrical discharge across an air gap. An electrode to generate copper ions. An air conveyance mechanism to pass air through the corona discharge cell to produce enriched air combined with the copper ions wherein the enriched air comprises oxygen O2 and nitrogen dioxide NO2. An air infuser mechanism to infuse water with the enriched air combined with the copper ions to create enriched water wherein the enriched water comprises the oxygen O2, the copper ions, and nitrate radical NO3. A water conveyance mechanism couple with the air infuser to convey the water to air infuser mechanism and to convey the enriched water away from the air infuser mechanism to a plant to enhance a vigor of the plant.

Abstract: The invention herein relates to a procedure to assist in the germination, growth and development of seeds or plants, from a support of plant origin especially from macrophyte plants. A fundamental part of the procedure involves a support of plant origin which consists of a longitudinal segment of the leaf of a macrophyte plant that has been dried, the result being the appearance of a macaroon, having an outer plant coating and an inner circular portion filled with a porous tissue. This procedure described herein involves the use of the support of plant origin described above for the germination of seeds contributing to the growth and feeding of the seed until it becomes a plant, using the segment of macrophyte, said segment having particular characteristics as provider of oxygen and nutrition.

Abstract: The present technology relates to methods of controlling Fusarium virguliforme, Fusarium brasiliense sp. nov., Fursarium cuneirostrum sp. nov., Fusarium tucumaniae and Soybean Sudden Death Syndrome (SSDS) using thiabendazole. In one embodiment the present technology relates to methods of controlling Fusarium virguliforme and Soybean Sudden Death Syndrome (SSDS) using thiabendazole.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for evaluating and sorting seeds based on characteristics of the seeds. One method generally includes collecting image data from different parts of the seeds, and then analyzing the collected image data to determine if the seeds exhibit at least one or more characteristics. The seeds can then be sorted to desired seed repositories based on whether or not the seeds exhibit the at least one or more characteristics.

Abstract: A preformed decorative wrapper for covering a flower pot has an open upper end, an open lower end, and a sidewall extending therebetween. At least a portion of the preformed decorative wrapper extends beyond an upper end of the pot and at least a portion of a lower end of the flower pot extends through the open lower end of the preformed decorative wrapper.