Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a rack and a rack system removeably attachable to a snow plow, the rack comprising: a base; a first vertical member extending generally orthogonally from the base; a second vertical member extending generally orthogonally from the base; a first and second attachment members both with a distal end and a proximal end, with the proximal ends attached to from generally the top of the first and second vertical member respectively, and the first and second attachment members: extending orthogonally from generally the top of the first and second vertical members respectively and configured to extend towards a snow plow, and the distal ends configured to each attach to generally the top of a snow plow; where the rack is configured to attach to the scoop end of a snow plow and to carry items.

Abstract: A steam ironing device (1), comprising: an iron, including a soleplate (18) provided with at least one steam outlet opening (20); soleplate heating means (22) configured to heat the soleplate (18); a steam generator (50) including a heatable steam generation chamber (51) that is fluidly connectable to the at least one steam outlet opening (20) in the soleplate; and control means (24, 56), operably connected to the soleplate heating means (22) and the steam generator (50), and configured to control a soleplate temperature and a steam rate of the steam ironing device, wherein the control means (24, 56) are configured to heat the soleplate to a non user-adjustable temperature in the range of 105-145° C., and to provide for a time-averaged steam rate of at least 50 grams/minute.

Abstract: The interactive greeting card of the present invention contains a multi-panel greeting card body with various electronic components contained and concealed therein. Upon opening the greeting card, spoken instructions may instruct the user to move an attached magnet from one area of the greeting card to another to initiate a surprise or various special effects such as sound and light.

Abstract: An illuminated sign having a housing unit with a frame and one or more light emitting arrays to provide visible indicia and a backlight module for mounting a transparent backlight panel which is held in close contact with a reflection panel and optically positions a light emitting unit to emit light through the backlight panel for emission from the front of the sign. The replaceable sign member accommodates the display of visible indicia and is backlit by the light emitting unit. A light sensor is mounted on the backlight module for measuring ambient light. The light emitting unit can be driven by a signal from the light sensor to automatically set a contrast level of illumination to optimize the information presented by the illuminated sign.

Abstract: A display device includes an inner base shell, a backlight panel, a frame unit and an outer base shell. The inner base shell includes a base wall; a surrounding wall extending from the circumference of the base wall at an angle therewith; and, a containing space cooperatively defined by the base and the surrounding walls. The backlight panel is disposed in the containing space. The frame unit formed of plastic and fixed around the surrounding wall has an inner side surface contacting the surrounding wall; an outer side surface opposite to the inner side surface; and, a front side surface connected to front side edges of the inner and the outer side surfaces. The outer base shell covering the inner base shell and the outer side surface of the frame unit has a front opening for exposing the backlight panel and the front side surface of the frame unit.

Abstract: An outdoor sign, which can be formed in a any desired shape corresponding to a sports team logo, political party logo or an event mascot. The outdoor sign has a planar front panel and a planar back panel securable in parallel relationship with their inner surfaces facing each other. The back panel has a total surface area greater than the front panel. The inner surface of the back panel is formed light-reflective to reflect the light generated by light members secured to the inner surface of the front panel. An upright support is detachably securable to the front panel and the back panel to support the sign above the ground.

Abstract: A channel letter has a rear surface for mounting against a raceway, wall, or a structure for supporting the signage, and sheet metal sides defining the figuration of the letter or shape to be depicted. A lighting element is positioned against the rear surface of the enclosure, and a lens is retained to the open front of the enclosure. The lens is retained by a plurality of retainer clips. Each of the retainer clips has a first and a second side extending from an arched back with the sides spaced a distance sufficient for the sides to fit around the end of the walls.

Abstract: A rail for supporting hanging signage is provided. The rail includes a magnetic strip. The magnetic strip includes first and second end portions and a middle portion. When the rail is in an uncoupled configuration, the first and second end portions are offset from a horizontal reference plane including the middle portion.

Abstract: A double wide pole bracket and banner system is used to apply banners to poles. The double wide pole bracket system uses slotted, typically steel channel brackets that are affixed to the pole using long, slotted hose clamps with Neoprene pads to protect the pole and prevent slipping. The banner itself can be designed to attach to the brackets with zip ties with a reinforced cutout in the center of the top and bottom hem that permits mounting without infringing on the view of the banner's content. The double wide pole bracket and banner system permits a significantly wider, stronger and more taut pole bracket and banner solution as compared to conventional solutions. The banners can be, for example, as wide as five feet of continuous banner, making the message visible and understandable.

Abstract: A vertically stackable and retrofittable traffic cone linking system having a plurality of linking cuffs substantially conically shaped linking cuffs having four connection points, sized and configured to be removably secured to a standard traffic cone and a traffic cone linking connector removably connected to the linking cuffs. Once the traffic cone linking cuff is linked to the traffic cone linking connector, the traffic cone linking system can be can be arranged in a predetermined configuration or arrangement to alert onlookers of a particular hazard or to impede access to a given location.

Abstract: A channel letter has a rear surface for mounting against a raceway, wall, or a structure for supporting the signage, and sheet metal sides defining the figuration of the letter or shape to be depicted. A lighting element is positioned against the rear surface of the enclosure, and a lens is retained to the open front of the enclosure. The lens is secured with a retainer cap and a plurality of retainer clips. Each of the retainer clips comprises as least one side including an outwardly extending leg for retention with the retainer cap.

Abstract: A unitary sheet-like merchandise labeling article that has a labeling tag flatly conjoined along a unifying flat bond zone with a flexible elastic layer that extends away from the tag and includes an elastic fastening loop. The loop sides that define the loop are wider than the thickness of the elastic layer. Further, the flexible elastic layer that extends away from the tag has a thickness greater than the thickness of the tag and has a dispersion zone adjacent the unifying flat bond zone. The dispersion zone allows dissipation of elastic loop in-line stretching forces sufficiently to reduce transmission of such forces into the bond zone.

Abstract: A magazine for use with semi-automatic and automatic firearms that includes a mechanism for relaxing the tension on the spring when the magazine is loaded with ammunition by lowering and extending the spring out of the bottom of the magazine. The magazine can be stored in a fully loaded configuration without concern that the spring will take on a compression set that will hamper its effectiveness in advancing ammo when the magazine is put to use in an associated firearm.

Abstract: A telescopically expandable cartridge comprising an anterior portion 1 and posterior portion 2, the posterior portion 2 carries a first primer 3 which when initiated releases gases which propel a ball 4 along a channel 5 to impact upon a second primer 6 in the anterior portion 1. First primer 3 is configured for centre firing. The cartridge is located in the barrel of a weapon which has an off set firing pin 7. An adapter 8 is received in a recess in the posterior portion 2 to the rear of the first primer 3 and directly in front of the firing pin 7. The adapter 8 comprises a cylindrical body having an annular recess 9 provided around its outer circumference. An O-ring 10 is received in the annular recess 9. On an anterior surface of the adapter 8 proximal to the first primer 3 is provided a pointed protrusion 11 positioned centrally of the anterior surface.

Abstract: An improved barrel for use in a weapon includes a housing which is cast as one piece of a directionally solidified superalloy which is free of generally spherical, randomly oriented crystals. The housing has first properties in a direction extending parallel to its central axis and properties which are different than the first properties in a direction transverse to the central axis of the housing. The superalloy forming the housing may be directionally solidified with a columnar grain crystallographic structure. Alternatively, the superalloy of the housing may be directionally solidified with a plurality of single crystal sections, one or more of which extend between opposite end portions of the housing. As another alternative, the superalloy may be directionally solidified as a single crystal which extends between opposite end portions of the housing.

Abstract: Firearm sight tools for removing and installing a firearm sight are presented, the firearm sight tool including: a tool frame having a top wall, a bottom wall, and sidewalls, the sidewalls connecting the top wall and the bottom wall; a firearm clamping assembly including, a stationary jaw, a clamping spindle, a clamping jaw, and a clamping spindle handle; a bottom spacer removably attached with the bottom wall, the bottom spacer selected to provide vertical alignment; and a sight press assembly including, a carriage, a carriage spindle, and a sight carriage where the sight carriage includes a sight blade aligned along the carriage spindle.

Abstract: A firearm sight comprising: a sight base; a left contrast geometry wall extending generally upward from the sight base, the left contrast geometry wall having a left operator end and a left firing end; a right contrast geometry wall extending generally upward from the sight base, the right contrast geometry wall having a right operator end and a right firing end, and where the left contrast geometry wall and right contrast geometry wall are tapered in position with respect to each other such that distance between the left operator end and the right operator end is greater than the distance between the left firing end and the right firing end; a targeting space located generally between left and right firing ends; a mounting interface attached to the underside of the base, and configured to attached to a top surface of a firearm; where the left and right contrast geometry walls each have an inner surface that has a visually contrasting appearance such that user intuitively adjusts the firearm such that the con

Abstract: To provide a better experience for ice fisherman and fisherman generally, the present inventor devised, among other things, apparatus, assemblies, components, and methods for holding a fishing device, such as a fishing rod. One exemplary apparatus includes an adjustable rod holder pivotably mounted or coupled to a base structure. The rod holder, which can be strapped or otherwise attached to one or more types of fishing rods or poles, has an adjustable center of gravity and/or an adjustable pivot point. The adjustable center of gravity and/or pivot point allows users to balance the fishing rod at various tip angles, up or down, and thus to position the rod in a way most suitable for the type of desired fish. The exemplary apparatus is particularly suitable as a replacement for the conventional tip-ups used in ice fishing, because it provides advantages of conventional rod &reel fishing with those of conventional tip-up fishing.

Abstract: The Floating Fishing Handle Assembly invention enables a rod to float with the reel attached. The making of the handle assembly includes use of a urethane foam, flocked rubber grip heat shrink tubing, two part epoxy and EVA foam.

Abstract: A carrying case for a fishing rod includes elongated base and cover portions; the cover portion has a substantially uniform profile over its entire length. The cover portion has a rounded profile and is hingably attached to the base portion along respective adjacent long edges thereof. In an embodiment, the fishing rod is secured inside the base portion, and a compartment is integral with the cover portion and disposed within the interior space thereof. The compartment has a door attached to the exterior of the cover portion and has a profile conforming to that of the cover portion; the compartment is thereby accessible while the cover portion is in a closed position. In another embodiment, the fishing rod is secured inside the cover portion and compartments are detachably secured inside the base portion.

Abstract: A fish hook with at least four barbs specially configured to neutralize the strike of the sheepshead fish, and increase the strike/catch ratio, is described herein.

Abstract: The present invention is strip for reducing or eliminating insect infestation in trash containers comprising a generally planer base strip having a first planer surface and a second planer surface, with the first planer surface having an attaching adhesive disposed thereon and the second planer surface having an insect trapping material disposed thereon, wherein in said trapping material has an outer surface portion constructed and arranged for trapping flying and crawling insects.

Abstract: Systems and methods to create and maintain desired geometrically shaped volumes of an effective dynamic mixture of volatile compounds encompassing an object of protection for very long times, up to one or more years, for control of pests and pest-borne diseases in open outdoor environments of importance to humans, animals and plants.

Abstract: Processes and apparatuses for washing a spent ion exchange bed and for treating biomass-derived pyrolysis oil are provided herein. An exemplary process for washing a spent ion exchange bed employed in purification of biomass-derived pyrolysis oil includes the step of providing a ion-depleted pyrolysis oil stream having an original oxygen content. The ion-depleted pyrolysis oil stream is partially hydrotreated to reduce the oxygen content thereof, thereby producing a partially hydrotreated pyrolysis oil stream having a residual oxygen content that is less than the original oxygen content. At least a portion of the partially hydrotreated pyrolysis oil stream is passed through the spent ion exchange bed. Water is passed through the spent ion exchange bed after passing at least the portion of the partially hydrotreated pyrolysis oil stream therethrough.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method and apparatus for mixing additives into a fluid fuel at a predictable concentration. The method comprises: taking a sample of the fuel; mixing the additive into the sample in metered proportions; testing the sample to determine that the correct amount of additive is present; storing the remaining fuel until it is time for the fuel to be used; and mixing the additive into the remainder of the fuel in the same metered proportions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of pyrolysis oil and also to a process for upgrading of pyrolysis oil implementing said HDO process, and also to processing of the aqueous phase resulting from the HDO by steam pre-reforming and then steam reforming.

Abstract: Modified alkylphenol-aldehyde resins include one or more alkylamines, having preferably at least one primary amine type group as well as their use for improving the flow properties of motor fuels and hydrocarbon fuels, such as in particular jet fuel, gas oil, fuel oil domestic, heavy fuel oil.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing life cycle GHG emissions associated with production of a liquid fuel or fuel intermediate. The method comprises: fermenting sugar to produce biogenic carbon dioxide and the liquid fuel, fuel intermediate or a fuel source; collecting an amount of biogenic carbon dioxide generated from the fermentation; and supplying the biogenic carbon dioxide for use in one or more enhanced oil or gas recovery sites for displacement of geologic carbon dioxide and deriving a greenhouse gas emissions benefit. Further provided is a method comprising receiving an amount of carbon dioxide from an apparatus for delivering carbon dioxide to one or more enhanced oil or gas recovery sites so as to displace the use of geologic carbon dioxide at the site. The carbon dioxide received has the GHG emission attributes of the biogenic carbon dioxide introduced to the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel composition comprising diesel fuel, a fusel oil distillate and ethanol, and to a method of its preparation by splash blending,

Abstract: A method for estimating the thermal plasticity of coal and a caking additive by observing the thermal plasticity of coal and a caking additive under the condition that sufficiently simulates an environment surrounding thermal plastic coal and a caking additive in a coke oven and to provide a method for preparing coal of a brand having a specified quality by making clear the required quality of a coal brand which can be ideally used for manufacturing high-strength coke by using the estimation method. A method for preparing coal for coke making, the method including adjusting a permeation distance of one or more kinds of coal to a specified value or less when plural coal brands are blended as materials to be used for coke making is used.

Abstract: Present embodiments include systems for reducing moisture in a solid feed provided to a gasifier. For example, in an embodiment, a feedstock preparation system includes an aspirator having a first inlet for receiving a flow of steam, a second inlet for receiving a flow of a moist gaseous phase from a grinding mechanism configured to grind a solid fuel in the presence of a conveyance gas. The moist gaseous phase includes the conveyance gas and moisture removed from the ground solid fuel. The aspirator also includes an outlet configured to output a reduced pressure flow having the steam and the moist gaseous phase. The aspirator is configured to enhance moisture removal from the ground solid fuel to produce a dry feed of the ground solid fuel. The aspirator discharge is recycled within the process to heat the incoming dry conveyance gas and improve system efficiency.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for sterilization of soil in the field by pressure comprising grinding up soil using a rototilling mechanism, creating a pulverized soil; conveying the pulverized soil to a two-part holding container; and, transferring the pulverized soil from a lower section of the two-part holder container to a middle container which is operably linked to a pressurization mechanism, thereby allowing for the pulverized soil to be treated and sterilized with high pressure in the middle container resulting in a treated soil. The treated soil is then transferred to a transfer container being configured to shape a growing bed to a desired configuration using the treated soil which is deposited there.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which may be used to grow plants in a chamber. In one embodiment, the chamber includes an artificial light source, a plurality of plant supports, a supporting structure configured to rotate the plant supports between two positions, the first position being closer to the artificial light source than the second, and a divider separating the chamber into a light region containing the artificial light source and one of the plant supports in the first position and a dark region containing the other plant support in the second position, wherein the divider is moveable between a first divider position in which the divider prevents movement of the plant supports and a second divider position in which the divider does not prevent movement of the plant supports. Methods of growing plants in a chamber on a moveable member are also disclosed.

Abstract: A shell with a controllable indoor climate. The shell may house plants, such as produce, for farming purposes. The shell may be made of scalable structurally insulated panels. Within the shell may be trays for facilitating the growth of the plants. Lighting, climate, and nutrients may be controlled for the proper growth of the plants.

Abstract: A crop protection system can include a housing that houses at least one roller mechanism to carry a roll of material, a vault configured to receive the housing, and a lift mechanism configured to vertically position the housing with respect to the vault. In such a system the housing may include three roller mechanisms where each roller mechanism is configured to carry a roll of material and also include a wire roller mechanism configured to carry a roll of wire. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.

Abstract: A non-cylindrical planting bed in rectangular, square or oval configuration for containing plant growth media and plants. The bed has a bottom wall, an exterior side wall, and either one or two semi-cylindrical walls inside and secured to the outer wall, or two cylindrical walls either wholly inside or having a portion forming a portion of the exterior side wall for strengthening of the bed. In forms having two cylindrical or two semi-cylindrical inner walls, cross walls may extend across the bed between straight side wall portions of the side wall to strengthen the straight side wall portions against outward displacement when the bed is filled with plant growth media.

Abstract: A supporting device for cultivating plants has developed to easily shuttle-wise relocate the flowerpots on the upper surface of a storing member. The device is comprised of: a water storage unit; a water supplying pipe line for supplying the water; multi-stage of the plant cultivating units; the supporting panels abutted each other to cover the top surface of the plant cultivating unit; a plurality of water supplying holes formed on the supporting panels for supplying the water to the flowerpots, which are placed anywhere on the panel; and a plurality of plugs for blocking the water supplying holes. The device also has designed to avoid the dirt washout from the pot while the water overflows. Therefore, it will protect the water circulation pump i.e. supplying means from out of order. The shield covers the plant cultivating unit to prevent the water contamination by avoiding the deposit of the dust from room air or fallen leaves.

Abstract: A method of improving the growth and/or pathogen resistance of a plant, comprising the step of exposing at least part of the plant to a transient period of high intensity illumination providing a photon flux at the plant surface having at least one of the following characteristics: (a) a red photon flux comprising at least 100 micromoles photons per square metre per second, and having a wavelength of between 600 and 700 nm; (b) a blue photon flux comprising at least 100 micromoles photons per square metre per second, having a wavelength of between 420 and 480 nm. The Invention also provides apparatus for providing such conditions to growing plants.

Abstract: A multiple plant watering device comprising a watering container, where the watering container is surrounded by a set a sidewalls, and where the watering container is a solid piece of material; and a plurality of planters held within the watering container, where the plurality of planters each house a plant. The planters are removable from the watering container to enable removal and replacement of the plants as desired by the user.

Abstract: A hydroponic plant container with a reservoir of “highly oxygenated” nutrient solution that is the result of continuous direct air injection into the bottom of the reservoir, at a specific range of trajectories, along with continuous Coriolis effect mixing. The highly oxygenated nutrient solution is used to provide a deep water culture for the lower section of the plant roots, to saturate the middle section of the plant roots with fine droplets of the highly oxygenated nutrient solution, and to saturate the growing media and the upper section of the plants roots with a continuous drip of the highly oxygenated nutrient solution.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of gas purification, a coal gasification plant, and a shift catalyst, each of which enables an inexpensive treatment of condensed water derived from steam used in a CO shift reaction. A CO shift reaction is performed using a shift catalyst less causing side reactions (e.g., a P—Mo—Ni-supported shift catalyst), and condensed water derived from steam used in the CO shift reaction is reused or treated. The method includes a cleaning step of removing water-soluble substances from a gasified gas containing CO and H2S; a CO shift step of allowing CO in a gas after the cleaning step to react with steam by the catalysis of the shift catalyst to convert CO into CO2 and H2; and a recovery step of removing CO2 and H2S from a gas after the CO shift step, in which post-shift condensed water formed after the CO shift step is recycled.

Abstract: A detecting unit (14) forms a plurality of detection spots arranged two-dimensionally on a floor surface near a door panel (12). Each detection spot is capable of detecting a human or an object by infrared light independently from other detection spots. Region distinguishing means (30) distinguishes a region formed by plural ones of the said detection spots that have detected the human or object. Person's movement judging means (44) judges the direction in which the distinguished region moves. A signal which causes a door panel (12) to be opened is supplied to a door controller (34) only when the direction of movement of the distinguished region is the direction toward the door panel.

Abstract: A cover assembly includes a base including an opening, a first hole and a second hole, an elastic cover including a first pivot and a second pivot coaxially aligned with the first pivot. The first pivot is rotatably received in the first hole and the second pivot is rotatably received in the second hole, thereby rotatably connecting the cover to the base. The cover is rotatable between a closed position where the cover covers the opening, and an open position where the opening is exposed. The operator only needs to bend the cover slightly, and assembles the first pivot and the second pivot into the pair of holes from the opening respectively.

Abstract: A vehicular slider window assembly (10) includes upper and lower rails (22, 24), at least one fixed window panel (16, 18) and a movable window panel (20). The lower rail comprises a channel (26) and a guide element (28) received in and secured to the channel. The guide element extends at least partially along the fixed window panel and the opening and the channel extends at least partially along the fixed window panel and beyond an end of the guide element and receives a carrier (30) of the movable window therein during loading of the movable window. The movable window is received in the channel at a first depth during the loading process and is raised to a second depth to generally align the carrier with the guide portion (28a) of the guide element for insertion of the carrier into the guide portion for movement along the guide portion.

Abstract: An X arm type window regulator includes a lift arm, a lift arm bracket, an equalizer arm, and an equalizer arm bracket. The window regulator opens and closes window glass through pivotal movement of the lift arm. The lift arm has two stress-dispersing elongated protrusions provided in respective regions which are located in the vicinity of an annular protrusion provided around a through hole formed in a central portion thereof, the regions being located on the side toward a proximal end portion of the lift arm and located toward two respective edges of the lift arm. The stress-dispersing elongated protrusions have a function of dispersing stress caused by a load imposed on the distal end portion of the lift arm.

Abstract: A powered sliding drive assembly is provided with a sliding panel having a frame member on its periphery and guide pins that are on the bottom of the sliding panel. The pins may have a washer and/or a collar disposed on them. The washers provide quiet movement of the sliding pane. The sliding panel defines a plane. The assembly further has two or more cables, each of which is separately attached on one end to opposite sides of the frame member, pins, washers, and/or collars, where each of these ends of the cables is in the plane of the sliding panel. Each cable is attached on another end to opposite sides of a drive unit. The pins of the sliding panel are positioned in tracks, whereby the sliding panel can be located in a flush-flush position with a fixed panel and a vehicle body panel.

Abstract: Example doors having a seal attached to an edge member of a door panel are disclosed herein. An example seal includes a flexible sheet of material with its longitudinal edges turned inward toward a more central portion of the sheet such that the sheet is turned partially or somewhat inside-out to provide a bulging seal geometry that is favorable for sealing in multiple directions. The seal, for example, is suitable for sealing in a head-on direction engaging an abutting surface, such as a doorjamb. The seal can also seal in sliding engagement with an adjacent surface parallel to the door panel. In some examples, the sheet defines a hollow chamber in which the longitudinal edges of the sheet reinforce or brace an exterior curved portion of the seal. In some examples, the sheet of material is a unitary seamless piece with an attached touch-and-hold fastener that makes the seal readily replaceable.

Abstract: A method of sharpening blades of a hair cutting device includes providing a sharpening composition in substantially crystalline form, activating a hair cutting device, submerging a working end of the hair cutting device at least partially into the sharpening composition, and viewing the sharpening composition. Sharpening is complete when the sharpening composition is substantially transformed to powder form.

Abstract: A cutter assembly and a method of making the cutter assembly are disclosed. A method of fabricating a cutting element having at least one island structure in at least one pocket of a substrate may comprise steps of building the substrate with at least one pocket; putting the at least one island into the at least one pocket in the substrate to form an assembly, the at least one island is not in a final state, wherein in the final state, chemical composition, shape, phase distribution and content, density and mechanical properties are finalized without changes; and subjecting the assembly to a final fabrication process to form the said cutting element and achieve the final state of the cutting element and at least one island in at least one pocket.

Abstract: Shaped ceramic articles can be obtained by screen printing the desired shapes from a dispersion of a precursor of the ceramic onto a receiving surface using a transfer assisted technique that applies a differential pressure, at least partially drying the screen printed shapes, and firing them to generate the shaped ceramic articles. Shaped abrasive particles made using lower viscosity sol gels that tended to flow or creep after the screen printing formation were found to have higher grinding performance over screen printed shaped abrasive particles made with higher viscosity sol gels.