Abstract: An apparatus controls the temperature of objects such as workpieces after a cleaning operation. The apparatus has a controlled temperature zone (14), which is formed as a cooling and/or heating zone and in which the objects can be subjected to an incident flow of gaseous fluid. The controlled temperature zone (14) is formed in a chamber (12) which can be subjected to a fluid flow (58) which flows into the chamber (12).

Abstract: A method for providing fresh air fed through a fan to a burner of a dryer, thereby charging the burner, when the dryer is operated with recirculating air. In commercial dryers in which the drying air is heated by a burner, it is customary to reuse the moist air leaving a drum containing the laundry to be dried as recirculating air. The recirculating air component is increased with increasing drying of the laundry. At the end of the drying operation, when the moist air no longer contains as much moisture as at the start, the moist air is used as recirculating air. The burner then no longer gets enough combustion air, which leads to an incomplete combustion. The dryer can be operated with a higher recirculating air component, an optimal combustion being guaranteed through the charging of the burner with fresh air. The invention permits more economical drying.

Abstract: A method for estimating the temperature of a laundry load in a treating chamber of a laundry dryer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a sandal with a sole. The sole has an upper surface and an opposite lower surface. The upper surface is formed from objects, such as hemispheres and/or spheres that each has a curved surface forming at least a portion of the upper surface. The lower surface is also formed from objects, which may be the same as those that form the upper surface. Additionally, the sole is formed with voids extending from the upper surface to the lower surface. The voids are defined, in part, by the objects near the upper surface and the objects near the lower surface.

Abstract: A strapping system for a dance shoe includes at least one elongated strap having first and second ends connected with the shoe upper at opposite sides thereof. At least one strap end is removably connected with the upper via a fastening assembly including a fastener. A plurality of connectors is provided in longitudinally spaced relation on the upper so that the strap fastener may be connected with a selected connector to adjust the strap and comfortably retain the shoe on the foot of the wearer.

Abstract: Articles of footwear may include selectively engageable traction elements that engage with a surface or the ground during certain activities and do not engage with the surface or the ground during other activities. The selectively engageable traction elements are caused to engage with the ground or surface when a portion of the footwear is flexed. When the footwear is in its unflexed position, the selectively engageable traction elements may not engage with the ground or surface. Selectively engageable fraction elements may be desired or may be useful during particular, targeted movements such as sharp turns, pivoting, sudden or abrupt starting and stopping motions, and the like and in changing environmental conditions, such as on various surfaces having different characteristics. Wearers of such footwear may benefit from the extra traction provided by the selectively engageable traction elements when performing the targeted movements and/or when wearing the footwear on surfaces with varying conditions.

Abstract: Articles of footwear are described that incorporate a knitted component that has an upper and an integral knit tongue. The integral knit tongue is formed of unitary knit construction with the upper and extends through a throat area of the knitted component. The integral knit tongue includes raised elements formed of unitary knit construction with the tongue. Methods of manufacturing a knitted component for an article of footwear may include knitting the upper and the integral knit tongue during a knitting process on a knitting machine.

Abstract: A footwear assembly having an upper that comprises a neoprene sock with a foot portion integrally connected to a leg portion. The foot portion has heel, vamp and under-foot portions. The leg portion has front shin, side wall, and rear calf-side portions. The upper has a unitary, outer, injection molded layer molded directly onto the foot and shin portions of the neoprene sock, while the sidewall and rear calf-side portions remain substantially uncovered by the injection molded layer. The injection molded layer encases the foot portion of the neoprene sock. The injection molded layer on the shin portion defines a shin guard portion having a necked down area integrally connected to the injection molded layer at the vamp portion, wherein the shin guard extends upwardly from the necked-down portion in an outwardly diverging shape away from the vamp.

Abstract: A removable exercise device attached to a users shoe for use during exercise. The device includes a variety of removable and interchangeable accessories to be used for various physical activities and exercises. These accessories are designed to place user's foot in a declined position. The accessories include wheels and bottoms with various shapes, heights, and materials.

Abstract: A sandal includes a footwear body, one affixing strap and an illumination arrangement. The footwear body has top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of light cavities formed on the top surface of the footwear body. The affixing strap has a plurality of light admissible end portions and a body portion extended between the light admissible end portions, wherein the light admissible end portions are mounted in the light cavities respectively. The illumination arrangement is provided in the footwear body, and includes a plurality of illumination units mounted in the light cavities of the footwear body to generate illumination toward the light admissible end portions of the affixing strap respectively for illuminating the sandal in a predetermined illumination pattern.

Abstract: A waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe, including: a sole, including a vapor permeation region; an assembly insole, made of waterproof material, including at least one vapor-permeable or perforated portion above the vapor permeation region which, once assembled, it covers; and a top assembly including a vapor-permeable lining, a vapor-permeable upper, a waterproof and vapor-permeable upper membrane between them, the top assembly being associated with the assembly insole, at least predominantly according to a AGO lasting working method, and a region for waterproof sealing of the assembly insole to the sole, the sealing region substantially surrounding the vapor-permeable or perforated portion which is free for vapor permeation.

Abstract: An essence-replaceable, ventilative, and releasable shoe includes a shoe body, which includes an outsole layer, a midsole layer, an insole layer, and a vamp, and an air bladder, which is arranged between the midsole layer and the insole layer. The air bladder includes an absorbent member arranged therein. The air bladder is connected with an air tube that has a discharge opening located between the midsole layer and the insole layer. The absorbent member inside the air bladder may absorb and hold therein an essential oil so that when a user wearing the shoe walks and compresses the air bladder; the air bladder generates an airflow that carries aromatic particles of the essential oil to flow through the air tube to be discharged to the foot of the user thereby realizing ventilation and deodorization with the aromatic smell of the essential oil.

Abstract: A vapor-permeable shoe with waterproof and vapor-permeable sole, including: an upper assembly; a sole joined to the upper assembly and including a body made of waterproof material including a tread and at least one region permeable to water vapor; a waterproof and vapor-permeable membrane, which covers the region, toward an inside of the shoe; a protective element, which covers at least partially the lower face of the membrane; and at least one waterproof and vapor-permeable protective screen superimposed, toward the inside of the shoe, on the membrane to cover it at least partially, the protective screen and the membrane being sealed in a waterproof manner to the body of the sole at at least one sealing zone peripheral to the region.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe adapted for the practice of classical dance and particularly intended for dancers in dancing schools or professional dancers for performing pointes, that comprises a sole generally made of leather to which is attached a fitting upper (2), particularly made of satin, as well as a tip made of a hard shell or box (4) that surrounds the toes and has an extension in the form of a stiffening shank (5) at the lower portion of the foot, characterised in that the shank (5) is formed on the lower surface thereof with at least two transverse cuts (7) approximately at mid-depth for ensuring its rigidity in one direction and for imparting to the shoe a certain degree of flexibility in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A heel protector for use with a high heel having a heel tip with a bottom surface having a size and shape. The heel protector is a flat material that is substantially sized and shaped to conform to the exact size and shape of the heel tip bottom surface. The heel protector is adhered to the bottom of the high heel tip by an adhesive.

Abstract: A removable plow attachment for a snow blower or thrower is provided. A plow attachment in accordance with the present disclosure includes a plow member and hook-shaped brackets. The plow member is an arcuate shaped member configured for moving or plowing loose material such as snow, slush, etc. The plow member is removably coupled to the snow blower by the hook-shaped brackets and fasteners. L-shaped angling members are provided on the plow member. The brackets and the L-shaped angling members are configured so that the angle of the plow member relative to the snow blower and the surface being plowed can be adjusted.

Abstract: A personalized greeting from a celebrity or well-known figure for use in greeting cards, gift, or consumer type products, is recorded and stored in digital media for application to a consumer product such as a greeting card. The greeting can consist of speech, music, or both, and is in the unique and personal style of the celebrity or well-known figure. Graphics may be included that can be a picture of the celebrity or well-known figure or a written greeting. A code may also be provided with the consumer product to enable access to free information on the internet about the greeting, the celebrity or well-known figure.

Abstract: A labeling tag (10, 210, 410, 510, 610, 710), comprising a tag portion (12, 212, 412, 512, 612, 712), and a film (28, 228, 428, 528, 628, 728) disposed over the tag portion (12, 212, 412, 512, 612, 712) and bonded to the tag portion (12, 212, 412, 512, 612, 712) at multiple locations to define a pocket (16, 216, 416, 516, 616, 716) between the film and the tag portion (12, 212, 412, 512, 612, 712). The labeling tag (10, 210, 410, 510, 610, 710) further comprising an elastomer portion (14, 214, 414, 514, 614, 714) secured to the tag portion (12, 212, 412, 512, 612, 712), and having an expandable loop (34, 234, 434, 534, 634, 734).

Abstract: A grip for an elongated fire arm has an adapter, a handle, and a spring loaded screw, bolt, and nut. The adapter has a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion receives a lower receiver of a rifle. The bottom portion has at least two locking tabs adjacent to a base of a shaft extending from the bottom portion of the adapter. The handle has a cavity disposed in an upper portion to mate with the shaft, and at least two pockets adjacent to the cavity to mate with the at least two locking tabs. The handle is rotatable about an axis of the shaft when the at least two pockets are disengaged from the at least two locking tabs.

Abstract: The invention concerns a marking for the barrel of a firearm, in particular of a pistol, a rifle, or a carbine, with a barrel cross section the perimeter of which alternately consists of linear, polygonal segments and arched segments, where necessary with transitions between them, whereby the linear, polygonal segments define an inscribed circle, further comprising at least two ribs being provided in or on the arched segments which extend radially inward.

Abstract: Disclosure relates to a bidirectional gun bore cleaning device for rapidly cleaning the bore of a gun barrel with less manpower by using a striking force (impact energy) of a striking hammer to easily move a cleaning brush in the bore. The bidirectional gun bore cleaning device is coupled to an end of the existing cleaning rod when being used.

Abstract: A weapon includes a primary firearm and a secondary firearm. The secondary firearm is attached to the primary firearm such that it may be used independently from or in conjunction with the primary firearm. The secondary firearm can be rotated in relation to the primary firearm, allowing two targets to be shot simultaneously. The secondary firearm is rotated by a swivel control built into the primary firearm. A camera system outputs video feed to included displays, allowing a user to view around corners without being exposed to danger. A communications module allows the weapon to interface with external devices, enabling third parties to control the secondary firearm. In addition to the primary and secondary firearm there are mounting points for accessory weapons, such as an electroshock weapon and knife. As with the secondary firearm, these too can be detached to be used independently.

Abstract: A motion decoy having a body and wings in the form of a waterfowl provides a realistic biaxial wing beat motion. The wing beat motion simultaneously includes a flapping action and a rotation action. The flapping action can sweep through an obtuse angle, while at the same time the rotating action that changes the angle of incidence of the wings at different angular positions. The compound biaxial wing beat motion better replicates the motion of live waterfowl, especially during the “lighting” phase of flight.

Abstract: The present invention is floatation device for seines or fishing nets, which preferably includes: at least two cork portions and one or more pairs of fastener inserts. The two cork portions are preferably opposing halves of a floatation cork configured to form a cork when combined. The one or more pairs of fasteners are preferably aligned and embedded inside the two cork portions, such that, when the one or more pairs of fasteners engage, the two or more cork portions form as a cork. Accordingly, the cork portions preferably fasten together on a fishing line after mating the fastener inserts. To increase the strength of the fastening the devices, an adhesive fastener may be included on the contact surfaces of the cork portions. The floatation device is particularly useful as a floating support for seines and commercial fishing nets.

Abstract: A fishing rod assembly that has a handle with a first decorative design and a shaft having eyelets that have a second decorative design that is related to the first decorative design. In addition the fishing rod has a reel and accompanying decorative bobber that also present decorative designs that are related to the first and second decorative design.

Abstract: A fishing lure, which may be a jig, rig, spinnerbait, crankbait, plug or the like, includes a bait saving fish hook, which includes a wire strand resilient bait guard. The bait guard includes a pair of hook-shaped attachment portions that engage the eyelet of the fish hook. A collar with ends having interdigitating teeth securely clamps the attachment portion of the bait guard to the shank of the fish hook. The bait saving fishing hook facilitates use of natural bait with a lure, which imparts lure movement to the natural bait and heightens arousal of predatory fish.

Abstract: Disclosed is a counter rotating fishing lure that comprises a body section having an open center, a leading edge, a trailing edge and a pair of fins that create body rotation when fluid flows thereover. Within the open center of the body region is a freely rotating member rotatably mounted to the body region and having a pair of trailing edge fins to induce a rotation in an opposite direction of the body section. This creates a counter rotating lure as the lure is drawn through the water, while its surfaces may be adorned with various designs, textures and treatments that attract attention while in the water. The leading edge of the lure is adapted to connect to a barrel swivel and towing fishing line, while the trailing edge is adapted to connect to a fishing hook to snare a fish.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved fish hook having a barb placed between the lower bend and the vertical climb of the shank. The positioning of the barb is strategically positioned a distance from the sharpened point thereby incurring the advantages of a barbless fish hook in combination with the advantages of a barbed fish hook.

Abstract: A fish hook includes a wire strand resilient bait guard. The bait guard includes a pair of hook-shaped attachment portions that engage the eyelet of the fish hook. A collar with ends having interdigitating teeth securely clamps the attachment portion of the bait guard to the shank of the fish hook. The clamped attachment portion includes four parallel segments of wire. This manner of attachment facilitates manufacturing and resists dislodgement.

Abstract: A system is described herein that comprises one or more modular environmental photobioreactor arrays, each array containing two or more photobioreactors, wherein the system is adapted to monitor each of the photobioreactors and/or modulate the conditions with each of the photobioreactors. The photobioreactors are also adapted for measurement of multiple physiological parameters of a biomass contained therein. Various methods for selecting and characterizing biomass are also provided. In one embodiment, the biomass is algae.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel additive formulation that is designed to inhibit and/or reverse phase separation in Ethanol Blended Fuels (EBFs). The additive may further have the characteristics of reducing friction, corrosion, and wear in internal combustion engines that run on EBFs. The fuel additive in accordance with the present invention is a formulation of hexylene glycol and boric acid. Minimization of phase separation and reduction of engine wear and degradation due to friction and deposit formation is expected to result in increased engine efficiency, extension of engine life, and reduction in repair and maintenance costs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel additive formulation applied to internal combustion engines formulated to reduce friction, corrosion, and wear in the internal combustion engines. The fuel additive in accordance with the present invention is a formulation of hexylene glycol and boric oxide. Reduction of engine wear and degradation due to reduction of friction and deposit formation is expected to result in increased engine efficiency, extension of engine life, and reduction in repair and maintenance costs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an engine oil fuel additive that has the characteristics of reducing friction, corrosion, and wear in internal combustion engines. Reduction of engine wear and degradation due to friction and deposit formation is expected to result in increased engine efficiency, extension of engine life, and reduction in repair and maintenance costs.

Abstract: The cold flow of middle distillate fuels may be improved by adding an effective improving amount of one or more alpha-olefin compositions. The compositions include, but are not necessarily limited to, polymers of alpha-olefins per se, copolymerized or grafted alpha-olefins with maleic anhydride, acrylic acid, vinyl acetate, alkyl acrylates, methacrylic acid, and/or alkyl methacrylates. These resulting copolymers or grafted polymers may be blended with alkylphenol-formaldehyde resins, which in turn may be blended with ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer. In a non-limiting example, the cold filter plugging point (CFPP) may be synergistically improved as compared with the expected additive effect of using the components separately.

Abstract: A reactor includes a shell having an input port configured to receive a reaction mixture and an output port configured to discharge a reaction product and a plug within the shell, the sintered plug having a first catalyst configured to transform the reaction mixture into the reaction product, the plug having pores of at least 0.01 micrometers (?m) diameter. A conduit includes a first and second lumen, the first lumen configured to carry a first fluid in a first direction and the second lumen configured to carry a second fluid in a second direction, the first lumen helically twisted relative to the second lumen, and the first lumen configured to conductively transfer thermal energy to the second lumen. A system includes a reactor with a sintered plug and a heat exchanger including a first and a second lumen helically intertwined about an axis.

Abstract: Describe are methods of extracting the lipid fraction from trap grease using vegetable oil, such as vegetable oils sourced from waste cooking oil. The method includes mixing a volume of vegetable oil with a volume of trap grease. The mixture is comprised of an aqueous fraction, a solid fraction, and a lipid fraction. The mixture is heated to a temperature in a range from about 50 degrees C. to about 100 degrees C. for a period of time sufficient to extract at least 80 percent of the lipids from the trap grease. The lipid fraction is then separated from the solid fraction. The method may further include a process of producing biodiesel from the extracted lipid fraction.

Abstract: The invention relates to polyester quaternary ammonium salts, including amine, amide, and ester salts, processes for making them, and their use as additives, including their use in fuels, such as diesel fuel and fuel oils. The invention particularly relates to the use of polyester quaternary ammonium salts as detergents in fuels and the methods of making them.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transition metal chalcogenide photocatalyst, a reactor using the transition metal chalcogenide photocatalyst, and methods of making and using a transition metal chalcogenide photocatalyst for reforming CH4 with CO2.

Abstract: Methods and systems for blending multiple batches of mixed hydrocarbons into fuel streams downstream of the refinery are provided that do not compromise the octane value of the fuel and do not cause the volatility of the fuel to exceed volatilities imposed by government regulation.

Abstract: The coal deactivation apparatus including: a separating device that separates out a portion of the beneficiated coal deactivated in the main treatment apparatus; a main evaluation apparatus into which the sample of the beneficiated coal separated out by the separating apparatus is supplied; a blower and heater that supply air at the evaluation temperature to the main evaluation apparatus; a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the air that has heat-treated the sample in the main evaluation apparatus; and a control unit that, when the temperature of the air is at or below the lower limit on the basis of information from the temperature sensor, determines whether or not the temperature of the process gas is at or below the lower limit and if the process gas temperature exceeds the lower limit, controls the heater to reduce the temperature of the process gas by a prescribed value.

Abstract: A reflective netting material suitable for providing over and/or adjacent the plant as bird netting, insect netting, shadecloth netting, windbreak netting, or hail protection netting, is knitted, woven, or non-woven, from a synthetic monofilament, yarn, or tape or combination thereof formed from a resin comprising at least one white pigment such that the monofilament, yarn, or tape reflects at least 30% solar radiation on average across the UV (wavelength about 280-400 nm), visible (wavelength about 400-700 nm) and very near infrared (wavelength about 700-800 nm) ranges, and which transmits at least 10% or 5% on average of solar radiation across the wavelength range about 800-2500 nm.

Abstract: A system for providing a barrier and redirecting the growth of grass away from concrete, walkways, patios and material typically found in a landscape. The system is comprised of a single sheet of extruded polyethylene having three members. The main member is inserted orthogonally to the surface of the ground, and has two members extruded away from it as some angle. The anchor member is part of the main member, and is inserted in the ground to provide support for the barrier. The surface member extends at some angle with respect to the main member into one edge of the landscape. The surface member extends into one edge of the material to provide a barrier between different types of landscape.

Abstract: A method for changing color of orchids comprises the steps of: first, forming a housing space in a stalk of a plant; and second, providing a solid dye smaller than the diameter of the stalk and dispensing the solid dye via a suction means into the housing space. Water is supplied to the plant before or after the solid dye is dispensed to dissolve the solid dye to facilitate absorption. Thus the color of the petals of the plant can be changed quickly and evenly. Diversified and brilliant colors can be formed on the petals through the simple dyeing process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of lighting a marine habitat for growth utilizing an LED light system. The light system includes an LED light source, a power supply for such light source and a controller for controlling the activation status and the intensity of the LED light source.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a green roof system that includes a tray or array of trays designed to work in a drip irrigation system. The tray frame preferably has an open bottom covered by a filter fabric.

Abstract: A method of increasing plant branching is disclosed. The invention relates to producing a compact and uniform horticultural display. The invention further relates to producing a horticultural display with plants of different families, genera and species that are difficult to grow into compact, uniform and floriferous horticultural displays.

Abstract: A decorative cover positionable about a flower pot has a texture and/or appearance simulating the texture and/or appearance of paper on at least a portion of at least one surface thereof while exhibiting improved durability and decreased sensitivity to water, humidity and pressure when compared to a decorative cover formed of paper.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and a method for multistage hierarchical pyrolysis and gasification of solid fuels. The apparatus comprises a feeding device 1, a multistage fluidized bed reactor 6, a residual discharging valve 9, a cyclone 10 and a condenser 11. A gas inlet is provided at the bottom of the multistage fluidized bed reactor 6 and a number of stages of fluidized beds 3 are provided within the multistage fluidized bed 6, wherein the fluidized beds 3 are separated by a number of perforated distributors 5. The top stage fluidized bed 3 is connected with the feeding device 1 and the coal fed thereto is heated by char obtained from pyrolysis in this stage and the mixture of high temperature ascending pyrolysis and gasification gas to undergo pyrolysis reactions at low temperature, thereby to obtain solid particles after preliminary pyrolytic process.

Abstract: A water intake assembly (105) is suspendable from an off-shore structure (102) is proposed. It has a bundle (106) of at least a first tubular conduit (106A) and a second tubular conduit (106B) generally stretching side by side along a length direction. At least a part of the distal portion (109) of the first tubular conduit extends further in the length direction than the second tubular conduit when in fully suspended condition. Described used of such a water intake riser assembly include: a method of producing a liquefied hydrocarbon stream and a method of producing a vaporous hydrocarbon steam.

Abstract: A process is provided for the preparation of a gaseous syn-fuel having a heating value in the same range as natural gas.