Abstract: The drying mat includes layers of a microfiber material and a foam layer. The drying mat may be used, as by way of example and not in any limiting sense, by: (i) placing wet dishes on the drying mat, (ii) placing a dish drying rack on the drying mat and placing dishes in the drying rack, (iii) placing produce on the drying mat; and/or (iv) placing cooking utensils on the drying mat. Other embodiments include an absorbent or protective mat which includes at least one layer of a microfiber material and at least one layer of a foam material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fashion accessory, in particular a wearable and removable contour liner for a boot that can be worn on the leg as a boot, filler or contour. The boot filler/contour liner is created to address an issue that many individuals with smaller leg and/or ankle sizes encounter in boot wear and fashion. The present invention is intended to enhance the fit and form of a boot and minimize wrinkles and/or flopping and folding of boot legs when worn on a leg that is disproportionate in size or shape in relation to the size or style of the boot. The wearable boot filler/contour liner will be manufactured in a variety of sizes and lengths including calf, full leg, and ankle length. The filler/contour liner boot accessory is obstructed of flexible yet sturdy material that is suitable for comfortable wear on the foot and leg, wherein the boot filler/contour provides fit and form to the boot while worn.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper having an anterior area, a posterior area, a medial area extending between the anterior and posterior areas, and a lateral area extending between the anterior and posterior areas and that is opposite the medial area. The article of footwear also includes a sole assembly operatively coupled to the upper. Furthermore, the article of footwear includes a bladder having a base operably supported by the sole assembly, an anterior portion that extends from the base toward the anterior area, a posterior portion that extends from the base toward the posterior area, a medial portion that extends from the base toward the medial area, and a lateral portion that extends from the base toward the lateral area. The anterior, posterior, medial, and lateral portions are operably supported by the upper.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper for securing the article of footwear to a wearer. The footwear also includes a sole assembly operatively coupled to the upper. The sole assembly includes a bladder that contains a fluid. The bladder has a posterior portion, an anterior portion, and a middle portion disposed between the posterior and anterior portions. The posterior portion has a heel recess that is approximately coincidental with a center of a heel of the wearer. The middle portion includes a neck chamber that extends between the posterior and anterior portions. The neck chamber is elongate and has a width that is less than both the posterior and anterior portions, and the anterior portion has a plurality of toe recesses that extend generally away from the neck chamber.

Abstract: A concave portion (31) for reducing the weight load of the wearer acting on the big toe (f1) is formed at a region in an insole (3) of a shoe (1). The region corresponds to a first site ranging from the ball (f1a) of the big toe (f1) to the tip of the toe. Further, at a region corresponding to a second site adjacent to the heel side of the ball of the big toe (f1a), a pressing portion (32) is formed for pressing the second site, so that the reaction force occurring by the pressing causes the first site to sink in the concave portion (31).

Abstract: An apparatus for use as at least part of a sole of a shoe or as at least part of an insole of the shoe, the apparatus comprises a fixed section that provides a positioning of a big toe area at a lower position than a heel area and/or at a lower position than an outer edge area, and an adjustable section associated with the fixed section, wherein the adjustable section adjusts at least one of the lower positioning of the big toe area with respect to the heel area and the lower positioning of the big toe area with respect to the outer edge area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a shoe sole comprising a hybrid material made of a polyurethane foam as matrix material and of foamed particles of thermoplastic polyurethane by preparing an inlay of joined expanded particles (c?) of thermoplastic polyurethane and placing the joined expanded particles of thermoplastic polyurethane in a mould and embedding the inlay with a reaction mixture obtainable by mixing (a) polyisocyanates with (b) compounds having hydrogen atoms reactive toward isocyanates, and if appropriate, with (d) chain extenders and/or crosslinking agents, and with (e) catalysts, and with (f) blowing agents, and with (g) further additives and reacting the reaction mixture to give the shoe sole. The present invention further relates to shoe soles, obtainable by such a process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a trench wall cutter for producing a trench in the ground having a cutter frame and at least one cutting wheel which is supported in a rotatable manner about an axis of rotation on the cutter frame and has at its outer circumference a plurality of ground working tools for removing ground material. The ground working tools are arranged along an annular path around the axis of rotation. Provision is made for the annular path to run asymmetrically to the axis of rotation of the cutting wheel, wherein the annular path has at least one first circumferential section with a larger distance from the axis of rotation and at least one second circumferential section with a smaller distance from the axis of rotation. The invention furthermore relates to a method for producing a trench in the ground.

Abstract: A reversible wing plow including a hitch, a moldboard and a moldboard shifting mechanism. The hitch is coupleable to the rear of a prime mover. The moldboard is operably coupled to the hitch proximate an inboard end and rotatable about a first horizontal axis that extends outwardly from the hitch generally parallel to a direction of forward movement of the prime mover. The moldboard shifting mechanism includes first and second linear actuators, both of which are coupled to the hitch at one end and coupled to opposing sides of a rotation crank plate on the other end. The crank plate is further operably coupled to the moldboard, whereby the moldboard is rotatably shiftable to the driver or passenger side of the prime mover, or to a vertically oriented transport position.

Abstract: A sole plate assembly for an electric hand iron, said sole plate assembly comprises a metal outer frame member; a metal retaining ring member shaped to fit inside said metal outer frame member; a flat sole glass or ceramic plate member shaped to fit in said metal retaining ring member; and a flexible seal member arranged to locate in said metal retaining ring member. The construction provides for improved ease of assembly, and a robust sole plate construction.

Abstract: A postcard having at least one first part and one second part, set alongside one another, where the first part can be folded like a book on said adjacent second part so as to be superimposed on the latter covering it completely, and wherein the first part is provided with portions of area that can be glued on the second part and can be removed by tearing, thus obtaining that the inner surfaces not involved by the glue of the two parts that are glued to one another can be dedicated to the information and/or messages that the sender wishes to transfer to the addressee, with guarantee of confidentiality and evidence of any possible attempts at tampering.

Abstract: A system for installing and mounting an advertising structure comprising a fabric (1) and supporting elements (4) for said fabric (1), the said supporting elements (4) having a lower portion and an upper portion, the said fabric (1) comprising a central print surface (2) and side edges (3), the said side edges (3) forming a peripheral frame around said central print surface (2) which is formed from a first membrane, the said side edges (3) being formed from a second membrane, the said first and second membranes being of different rigidity, the said central print surface (2) and the said peripheral frame also being secured together around their perimeter.

Abstract: An identification tag can be selectively attached and detached to a member along a pre-defined plane of connection of the identification tag. The identification tag includes a body portion and an attachment portion integral with the body portion. The attachment portion generally extends along a plane parallel to the pre-defined plane of connection and includes at least three resilient fingers. Each of the resilient fingers has an un-flexed position and is movable away from the un-flexed position to effectuate a temporary separation of the resilient fingers from one another so as to permit the selective attachment or detachment of the identification tag to the member.

Abstract: An art frame includes a three-dimensional supporting frame having an image receiving surface and a back surface opposed thereto, and a center portion defining a perimeter from which at least three foldable extensions extend. Each foldable extension includes no less than four folds folded toward the back surface to form a frame portion having an outer wall substantially perpendicular to the back surface, and an inner wall substantially perpendicular to the back surface and substantially parallel to the outer wall. A compressible member is attached to the outer walls to adhere an image receiving medium to the supporting frame. Compressible member includes a first adhesive on the outer walls, a polymer foam substrate (having a compression index ranging from about 0.4 to about 0.8) on the first adhesive, and a second adhesive on the polymer foam substrate. Second adhesive is to secure the image receiving medium to the supporting frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides an AR variant rifle with a left-sided magazine-release assembly which includes a mag-release catch, a left-sided tool-actuated mag-release actuator, a left-sided actuator cover and a mag-release spring. The actuator is operatively coupled to a mag-release catch and can be actuated by a mag-release tool thereby causing a detachable magazine to be released from a magazine well of the rifle. The actuator cover is configured to be mounted on a left side of the rifle and provides support and substantially shields the mag-release actuator thereby permitting the mag-release actuator to be actuated with any mag-release tool from the left side the lower receiver while preventing the mag-release actuator from being actuated without use of any mag-release tool.

Abstract: An ammunition magazine with an improved base locking, including: a hollow magazine body, a follower, a spring and a magazine base. The magazine body is equipped with track guides that correspond to grooves embodied on the magazine base, that the magazine base is guided onto. The spring is spirally embodied such that the first turn fully encompasses the surface of the magazine base and in the compressed state the rest of the spring, without the first turn, can fully fit into the follower pressed by the spring. The magazine base has a catch on one side and a hole positioned next to the catch. The magazine body has a slit allowing the catch to pass unobstructed into the magazine body and catch the detent spot on the spring positioned inside the magazine body. An advantage is improved safety of magazine base locking to the magazine body and simpler construction.

Abstract: A muzzle brake assembly for a firearm provides several benefits including an ability to reduce firearm recoil by redirecting the propellant gases and reshaping the pressure wave in a new manner, reduction or substantial elimination of muzzle movement upon discharge, lessening the acoustic signature of the firearm closer to non-braked levels and relatively easy and low cost to manufacture by current machining practices thereby minimizing cost of manufacturing. Ports in the muzzle brake assembly are arranged opposing one another about a circumference of the muzzle brake assembly.

Abstract: A laser sight firing device is usable with an air gun, and includes a firing unit disposed on the gun barrel, a sensing unit, and a light emitter disposed on the firing unit. The firing unit includes a tubular member, and a position-limiting member extending from the tubular member. The tubular member has a tube wall formed with an air discharge hole and defining a passage. The sensing unit includes a piston disposed in the passage, a return mechanism disposed between the piston and the position-limiting member, a first chip module disposed on the piston, and a second chip module disposed fixedly in the passage. When air current flows from the air gun, the first chip module comes into contact with the second chip module to activate the light emitter to emit light.

Abstract: An ice fishing signaling device having a tip-up flag and/or electric light bite indicator, and a hooked fish indicator that is controlled by tension in the fish line is provided to alert a fisherman of the occurrence of hooked fish and the relative size and/or strength of the hooked fish. The hooked fish indicator has a tubular housing with a telescoping indicator rod that is spring-biased within the housing to resist movement. A sustained tension on the fish line equal to or exceeding the bite indicator trigger level is required to withdraw the indicator rod from the housing for signaling the presence of a hooked fish. The indicator rod increases resistance as it is withdrawn for the housing, thus providing a visual indication of the size and/or strength of the hooked fish.

Abstract: A fishing lure to generate a vibration and sound may include an exterior housing having a cavity, a motor and battery module positioned within the cavity and may or may not be connected to the exterior housing, a battery connected to the motor and not connected to the exterior housing to provide power for the motor and a off-center weight being connected to the motor and not connected to the exterior housing to produce the vibration and sound by the motor and battery module striking the interior surface of the exterior housing. Entire device or portions thereof may also be removably placed inside or attached outside any hard lure body or soft plastic bait in common use by fishing industry when provisions for such attachment are premade.

Abstract: An ice fishing equipment storage and transport system or kit provides easier and more organized retention of ice fishing equipment when being stored, transported, or in use. System can include a container such as a bucket having an open interior. A sleeve can be selectively attachable to the bucket and include one or more rod holder tubes, the rod holder tubes having one or more channels or slots adapted to hold an ice fishing rod or tip-up. A bucket container extension portion can attach to the bucket to capture and retain the sleeve between the bucket and the extension. The system can also include a lid for covering the bucket. In some embodiments, the lid can include additional features such as a selectively attachable transducer guide channel and an opening allowing for passage of a battery cable.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a device that blocks a mole tunnel and to a method of halting mole tunneling activity and preventing or interfering with further such activity by blocking the tunnel at point(s) along the tunnel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air-water-hydrocarbon three-phase micro-emulsified fuel prepared by adding water, air, and emulsifier compositions to liquid hydrocarbon fuels, to the methods of preparation, and to the uses of the micro-emulsions. The three-phase micro-emulsion fuel is prepared by emulsifying heavy hydrocarbons such as bunker fuel oil and heavy petroleum from the fraction distillation of petroleum, with water or an aqueous solution, air, and emulsifier compositions, in which the hydrocarbon fuel and the air form a dispersed phase and the aqueous solution forms a continuous phase. The resulting emulsified fuel is to be used as an alternative energy fuel in internal combustion engines, boilers, heaters, furnaces, combustion turbines or power plants offering the advantages of lower viscosity, higher performance and cleaner burning than the original fuel.

Abstract: This invention relates to corrosion inhibitor additive combinations giving long acting performance in oxygenated gasoline blends comprising either low carbon number (<3) or high carbon number (greater than or equal to 4) alcohols or mixtures thereof and adapted for use in fuel delivery systems and internal combustion engines. The invention also is concerned with a process for conferring anti-corrosion properties to oxygenates in gasoline fuel mixtures wherein the oxygenate comprises biologically-derived butanol.

Abstract: Water vapor is extracted from air in a process in which water vapor from large volumes of air is concentrated by absorption into a small volume of hygroscopic liquid (14), from which it is recovered by passage through a selective layer (12).

Abstract: A formulation for a recycled plastic, composite composition, and a method of making the composite composition, is provided. The composite composition includes recycled EVA plastic from 30% to 80%, a stone powder from 20% to 70%; percentages by weight.

Abstract: A composition for a recycled plastic composite composition, and a method of making the composite composition, is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for easy removal of potted and trained plants from a plant container. The apparatus includes an elongated support member configured to assist plant training, and an elliptical-shaped support base connected to the elongated support member and configured to removably support a plant. Embodiments of the apparatus include support arms asymmetrically disposed on the elongated support member to upwardly support a plant.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for providing increased light to plants including a bottom panel including tiles, side panels coupled substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel at a first edge of the bottom panel and providing a first reflector to redirect light, end panels coupled substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel at a second edge of the bottom panel and substantially orthogonal to some of the side panels and providing a second reflector to redirect light, a container configured to house the plants being supported by the bottom panel and providing a third reflector to redirect light, and light sources producing light beneficial to the plants, the light incident upon the bottom panel, the side panels, the end panels, and the container, the bottom panel, side panels, ends panels, and container each reflecting a portion of the incident light is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a port for a vertical wall, a multi-filter used therein, and a port support frame. In the port a cover is installed in a port body having an interior space. A plurality of body filter holes penetrate the port body. Soil in which plants are set is filled in the interior space. A plurality of vegetation holes through which the plants set in the soil are formed in the cover, and cover filter holes are formed between the vegetation holes at locations corresponding to the body filter holes. Multi-filters penetrate the body filter holes, the cover filter holes, and the soil. A support tubular body forms an outer appearance of the multi-filter, and a filtering case is installed in the support tubular body.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for use with: an RFJD proximity card; a frame including a pair of jambs; a door hingedly connected to one of the jambs, the other being hollow and having a rabbet defined by a pair of surfaces, one surface presenting to the closed door and defining part of a stop against which the door is positioned when closed and the other surface flanking and presenting towards the door edge when closed . The other surface width is in the direction which defines the one jamb depth. The one jamb thickness is in the direction which defines the doorway width. The apparatus comprises a sensor which: produces a signal when the card is presented thereto; and has thickness T, width W and height H T<[thickness of other jamb?thickness of stop]. W is equivalent to the width of other surface. H<doorway height.

Abstract: A security kit is provided for automatic closing of a garage door after a predetermined time of garage door being open. The security kit comprises a replacement wall switch for operating the garage door operating mechanism. The replacement wall switch comprises a timer module and a sensor disposed to detect that the garage door is open or closed. The sensor is coupled to a timer input. The sensor and the timer cooperatively operate such that when the sensor detects that the garage door is closed, the timer is reset and disabled, and further cooperatively operate such that when the sensor detects that the garage door is open, the timer initiates timing a predetermined time period. The timer operates a switch at end of the predetermined time period to cause the garage door mechanism to close the garage door.

Abstract: A vehicle door structure 10 includes an idling mechanism 23 which invalidates an operation of a handle 15 controlling a locking mechanism 22 in a slide door panel 14 when a swing door panel 16 is opened, the idling mechanism 23 includes an abutting portion 50 which abuts against the vehicle body 5 at a closed position of a swing door panel and a linkage controlling portion 52 which controls a linkage between the handle 15 and the locking mechanism 22, and the linkage controlling portion 52 maintains the linkage between the handle 15 and the locking mechanism 22 when the abutting portion 50 abuts against the vehicle body 5 and breaks the linkage between the handle 15 and the locking mechanism 22 when the abutting portion 50 separates from the vehicle body 5.

Abstract: A child safety barrier is to be positioned across a passageway such as a doorway, stair landing or corridor, play pen or crib. The barrier includes an elongated member that is supported generally horizontally. The barrier is supported for rotation preferably in a direction that limits the ability of the child to pass over the barrier. Various alternative elongated members are described and various alternative support systems for the elongated members are described.

Abstract: A window regulator has a small number of parts and a simple structure and avoids the generation of noise. An upper wire-end having a flange portion is connected to the end portion of a raising wire connected to a carrier plate. A wire-end storage portion having a hollow portion surrounded by a top wall and a circumferential wall extending downward from a rim of the top wall is formed on the carrier plate. A plurality of ribs are formed on the wire-end storage portion along an axis direction of the wire-end storage portion, while protruding from the circumferential wall to the hollow portion. The flange portion is in contact with at least two of the ribs.

Abstract: A door inner panel as automobile parts is manufactured from a tailor welded blank formed from a different thickness steel sheet by means of different thickness connection for connecting different kind steel sheets having different sheet thicknesses. In the tailor welded blank, a weld line of the tailor welded blank includes linear weld line portions and an R-shaped weld line portion through which the linear weld lines are connected.

Abstract: A fire shutter for protecting an opening 10, such as a window 12, having one or more (typically two) fire resistant panels 20 and 21. The panels are hinged along a horizontal portion of the opening such that at least one of the panels can be utilised as an awning when open. The panel(s) have an insulating core that typically provides thermal insulation from the elements and increases fire resistance from fires (such as bushfires) to provide a fire rated shutter that meets the highest building fire standards.

Abstract: An enclosure having a gate which may be pivotably hung from stanchions or walls such that it swings in either direction, and may be opened from either side, depending on the assembly of the enclosure, is described. A latch which may be opened from both inside and outside of the enclosure is also described.

Abstract: Composition, apparatus, and methods of composition and apparatus manufacture, for sharpening a paper shredder blade. Composition includes grinding powder, thickening agent, and additive. The thickening agent may be a white oil, an animal oil, an vegetable oil, or a stearine wax. The additive may be an antirust powder, an antiwear powder, an antistatic powder, or an antioxidation powder. The grinding composition is dispensed into a polyethylene film, and sealed to form the grinding apparatus, as a grinding sheet or a grinding packet. A method for forming a grinding sheet includes selecting the constituent materials for a grinding composition; stirring the constituent grinding composition materials; heating the constituent materials to melting; mixing the constituent materials, while melting and intermixing; cooling and packaging the grinding composition to form a grinding sheet or packet.

Abstract: Composition, apparatus, and methods of composition and apparatus manufacture, for sharpening a paper shredder blade. Composition includes grinding powder, thickening agent, and additive. The thickening agent may be a white oil, an animal oil, an vegetable oil, or a stearine wax. The additive may be an antirust powder, an antiwear powder, an antistatic powder, or an antioxidation powder. The grinding composition is dispensed into a polyethylene film, and sealed to form the grinding apparatus, as a grinding sheet or a grinding packet. A method for forming a grinding sheet includes selecting the constituent materials for a grinding composition; stirring the constituent grinding composition materials; heating the constituent materials to melting; mixing the constituent materials, while melting and intermixing; cooling and packaging the grinding composition to form a grinding sheet or packet.

Abstract: A portable and collapsible barrier that is lightweight and can be easily transported and erected. The barrier includes a base, a top and an enclosed volume such as a diaphragm that can be expanded with a medium such as a gas or liquid to a desired shape. The expanded volume will act as a barrier. When a series of expanded barriers are connected, they will form a wall that can contain bulk materials or liquids.

Abstract: A building panel formed from sheet material is disclosed, the building panel extending in a longitudinal direction along its length and having a shape in cross section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The building panel includes a center portion in cross section, a first connecting portion connected at one side of the center portion, the first connecting portion comprising a loop in cross section, and a second connecting portion connected at an opposing side of the center portion, the second connecting portion comprising a hook in cross section, wherein the loop and the hook are complementary in size and shape for joining the building panel to adjacent building panels. Building structures comprised of such building panels, and methods and systems for forming such building panels are also disclosed.

Abstract: A monopole support assembly includes at least two truss assemblies secured to an outer surface of a monopole. At least two helical piers or micropiles are secured to the at least two truss assemblies, respectively.

Abstract: A foundation system for electrical utility structures is provided that minimizes impact on the chosen construction site, minimizes labor and minimizes associated installation costs. The foundation system comprises a structure to be supported at its base which has a plurality of arm members secured to the base and a plurality of helical piers or micropiles which are inserted into the ground and distally attached to the base of the structure by attaching to the arm members.

Abstract: A concrete wall with optical fibers display device comprises a concrete wall having plurality outer surfaces for display purpose, multiples optical fibers are embedded within the concrete wall for guiding light from one surface to another, and said optical fibers are arranged in a matrix fashion with each optical fibers is spaced by a predetermined space to form a figure or characters, a projecting device placed away from the concrete wall by a predetermined distance as light source, and a layer is painted onto the whole outer surfaces of the concrete wall for reinforcing the junction portion where the tip of optical fibers with the surfaces of the concrete wall.

Abstract: An insulating member is disposed between the top of a wall and the underside of a roof to more effectively insulate the structure and prevent condensation fostering growth of mold and mildew occurring along the surfaces of the wall, ceiling and roof. A first surface of the insulating member overlies the top plate of the wall extending inward between the ceiling joists a distance of at least 1.5 feet. A second surface overlies the outside surface of the wall extending downward along the exterior of the wall a distance of at least 0.5 feet. A third surface is shaped to substantially conform to the opposing underside of the roof deck such that the space between the roof deck and the wall top plate is sealed off by the insulating member. Multiple air flow pathways extend through the insulating member providing continuous air flow from soffit area into the attic space.

Abstract: The invention discloses devices and methods for using building blocks for construction that does not require mortar, internal columns or additional internal or external finishing. A building block includes joining elements for attaching blocks from top to bottom as well as from side to side. Additionally, blocks have internal and external finishes that are complete. The block includes a removable face for allowing access to space for infrastructural elements like wires and pipes. Thus, after construction of a structure, there is no additional need to paint, hang wallpaper or otherwise treat the outer and inner walls of the final structure.

Abstract: A structural panel includes a rigid foam core, a spray foam on an exterior surface of the rigid foam core, and a first outer skin on the spray foam. The rigid foam core includes a tongue portion along a first longitudinal side face and a groove portion along a second longitudinal side face. A second outer skin is also on the spray foam.

Abstract: A subfloor component includes an insulating foam panel having first and second opposing faces and a plurality of intersecting grooves to define, in cross-section, a plurality of pedestals having walls that extend into the panel from the first face toward the second face. The subfloor component also includes a moisture-resistant film attached to the first face of the panel and that conforms to the pedestals, and a hardboard layer on the second face of the panel. A method of manufacturing subfloor components is also disclosed.

Abstract: A subfloor component includes an insulating foam panel having first and second opposing faces and a plurality of intersecting grooves to define, in cross-section, a plurality of pedestals having walls that extend into the panel from the first face toward the second face. The subfloor component also includes a moisture-resistant film attached to the first face of the panel and that conforms to the pedestals, and a hardboard layer on the second face of the panel. Methods of manufacturing subfloor components are also disclosed.