Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article of footwear having an upper, a footbed, an outsole, and a bladder that is disposed between the footbed and the outsole includes providing a plurality of layers. The layers include a top, outsole, first bladder, and second bladder layer. Also, the method includes molding the layers together substantially simultaneously to form the upper, the footbed, the outsole, and the bladder.

Abstract: An article of footwear sole structure includes a flexible web. The flexible web is surrounded by a ridge extending downward from a bottom side of the web. Traction elements also extend downward from the web bottom side. When standing or casually walking, a substantial portion of the wearer's weight is transferred to the ground by the ridge. During golf play, increased downward force of the wearer on the web deforms the web and transfers more of the wearer weight onto various portions of the traction elements.

Abstract: A ski boot with an element in shell form at least partially contains a plastic compound material. The compound material contains a mixture of caprolactam polyamide and ionomers, such that cations and anions of the ionomers form ion bonds. Elastic components of the compound material form a physical network that is soluble between 60° C. and 100° C., and therefore the element in shell form of the ski boot at least partially containing the compound material can undergo thermoforming below 100° C.

Abstract: A ski boot, comprising: a hull, a shaped plate belonging to the hull, a sole adapted to be removed from the hull and interchangeable; the sole comprises a front portion and a back portion that are separated from each other and constrained to the hull through fixing elements, wherein the sole is adapted for a specific skiing discipline and is compatible with ski bindings provided with a plurality of pins integral with the ski that are fitted into corresponding shaped recesses belonging to the hull; the shaped recesses are positioned on the sides of the plate, which is fixedly constrained to the ski boot.

Abstract: A gripping device is provided for increasing traction in a shoe. In one embodiment, the gripping device includes a first arcuate surface having an inner row of teeth extending generally in a first direction, wherein the arcuate surface is configured to generally extend along an outer contour of the shoe. The gripping device further includes a second arcuate surface having an outer row of teeth extending outward from the first arcuate surface, the inner row of teeth and the outer row of teeth forming a generally V-shaped channel therebetween having an acute angle. The gripping device also includes a plurality of attachment tabs on the first arcuate surface and extending generally in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A system for preventing footwear for drooping is disclosed. A footwear having a sole and an outer sole that encloses the footwear. The outer sole has an inner portion, where at least one self-adhesive strip is affixed to the inner portion of the outer sole. A hook and loop device operable to fit around a person's leg. The person's leg slides into the footwear where the hook and loop device attaches to the self-adhesive strip. The self-adhesive strip securely attaches to the hook and loop device to straighten the footwear alongside the person's leg.

Abstract: An orthotic device has a readily adjustable variable forefoot posting system. In some embodiments, a generally planar plate is pivotally coupled to a foot-receiving shell. The plate is generally under the arch and not in contact with the supporting surface when in a neutral position. Along the plate's perimeter are raised regions that can be deployed into position as a forefoot post via pivoting the plate. In some versions, adjustability is via a sliding motion. Some areas have a greater height than others do and these raised areas or protrusions can be set at either an inner side or an outer side. Depending upon the shape of the ridges on the plate and the plate's pivoted position, a range of tilts can be variability provided. The plates can be part of an interchangeable system providing more options. Professional versions can have a greater range of settings than consumer versions. Folding versions and telescoping versions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle skid recovery system, which is able to accelerate skid recovery, when an automotive vehicle begins to skid as a result of ice accumulation on the road surface. The embodiments control operation of ice removers (e.g., blades or heaters), which are mounted within the wheel wells forward of the wheel, based on information received from the vehicle's outside temperature sensor and anti-lock braking system (ABS). When the temperature sensor indicates that the outside temperature is below a predetermined temperature (e.g., below freezing) and when the anti-lock braking system is activated as a result of detected skid, a controller activates the ice remover in one or more of the wheel wells and, thereby cause the ice remover to remove ice from the road surface forward of the corresponding wheel. Clearing the ice allows the vehicle's tires to gain traction on the road surface and, thereby stops the skid.

Abstract: A guard for a sensor apparatus in a tilting arrangement. The guard includes a first tubular portion supported on the tilting arrangement, a longitudinal portion extending from the first tubular portion, and a second tubular portion extending from the longitudinal portion. The first tubular portion provides a first cavity adapted to partially enclose a first mounting stud of the sensor apparatus. Similarly, the second tubular portion provides a second cavity adapted to partially enclose a second mounting stud of the sensor apparatus. And, the longitudinal portion provides a recess adapted to partially enclose a lever member of the sensor apparatus.

Abstract: A pinhole punched greeting card and process for the mass production of same. The process facilitates mass production of a pinhole punched greeting card by enabling the production of all pinholes simultaneously which until the present invention required making each individual pinhole one at a time. The process utilizes a metal die and counter. The metal die containing a plurality of individual cone-shaped protrusions configured in a design pattern and a metal counter which is the reverse of the metal die. The greeting card is placed and secured between the metal die and counter, then the metal die and counter are compressed together thereby making a plurality of pinhole punctures in the greeting card which correspond to the plurality of cone-shaped protrusions contained upon the metal die and counter.

Abstract: Three-dimensional lightweight foam greeting cards are described herein having a foam body with a perimeter wall that extends between two spaced apart parallel pieces of planar sheet material such as heavy gauge paper, cardboard, or other such material. The greeting cards have a partially hollowed foam body or one or more cavities in the foam body concealed in the front and back by the planar sheet material which may be pre-cut in the shape of the foam body are decorated consistent with the design of the foam body. The cavities in the foam body may contain various electronic components that enable the greeting card to produce sound, record and playback a personalized message, trigger light activation, trigger the movement of moveable parts, display digital video, photographs or slideshows, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Three-dimensional lightweight foam greeting cards are described herein having a foam body with a perimeter wall that extends between two spaced apart parallel pieces of planar sheet material such as heavy gauge paper, cardboard, or other such material. The greeting cards have a partially hollowed foam body or one or more cavities in the foam body concealed in the front and back by the planar sheet material which may be pre-cut in the shape of the foam body are decorated consistent with the design of the foam body. The cavities in the foam body may contain various electronic components that enable the greeting card to produce sound, record and playback a personalized message, trigger light activation, trigger the movement of moveable parts, display digital video, photographs or slideshows, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Three-dimensional lightweight foam greeting cards are described herein having a foam body with a perimeter wall that extends between two spaced apart parallel pieces of planar sheet material such as heavy gauge paper, cardboard, or other such material. The greeting cards have a partially hollowed foam body or one or more cavities in the foam body concealed in the front and back by the planar sheet material which may be pre-cut in the shape of the foam body are decorated consistent with the design of the foam body. The cavities in the foam body may contain various electronic components that enable the greeting card to produce sound and/or other special effects. The greeting cards may include various switch mechanisms that may be located and accessed through various locations on the foam greeting card body.

Abstract: Three-dimensional lightweight foam greeting cards are described herein having a foam body with a perimeter wall that extends between two spaced apart parallel pieces of planar sheet material such as heavy gauge paper, cardboard, or other such material. The greeting cards have a partially hollowed foam body or one or more cavities in the foam body concealed in the front and back by the planar sheet material which may be pre-cut in the shape of the foam body are decorated consistent with the design of the foam body. The cavities in the foam body may contain various electronic components that enable the greeting card to produce sound, record and playback a personalized message, trigger light activation, trigger the movement of moveable parts, display digital video, photographs or slideshows, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A greeting bag is described that is includes a gift bag and a greeting card. The gift bag and greeting card connect together to form the integrated assembly of the greeting bag that has a purposefully coordinated single decorative style. The gift bag and greeting card have individual decors that define alternative aspects of that particular theme of a decorative style. An attachment mechanism can also be included in the greeting bag that further fixes the greeting card to the gift bag. The attachment mechanism can have a third decor as well as a size and dimensions that can include an image or sentiment. A method is described wherein a greeting bag is selected by selecting a gift bag from a set of one or more gift bags that share a common decorative style. A greeting card is selected from a set of one or more greeting cards that share the same common decorative style with the gift bag.

Abstract: A screen creating unit selects component contents for displaying a station name array, in which a plurality of station names on a route are arrayed in order of arrival, from a component-content storing unit, moves, according to component arrangement definition data and component motion definition data, the component contents little by little in an array direction from a state in which only a part of station names on a starting station side among the station names are arranged in a scroll display region to a state in which only a part of station names on a terminal station side are arranged, and creates an image of only a portion in the scroll display region without creating the image of a portion outside the scroll display region among the component contents to thereby create a plurality of frames continuous in time series.

Abstract: A louver display panel system with a display panel for receiving printed or graphic material thereon, a support member to secure the display panel to a building or structure, and a louver movement control means. The display panel is rotationally secured to the support member and forms a louver structure. The louver movement control means maintains the display panel in a first position in a plane generally parallel to the exterior face of the building or structure until a wind load applied to the display panel exceeds a pre-determined value, after which the louver movement control means permits the display panel to rotate toward a second position generally parallel to the direction of the wind to reduce the wind load borne by the display panel. The louver movement control means returns the display panel to its first position when the wind load drops below said pre-determined value.

Abstract: The road sign comprising a casing with an integrated post or a casing with a clamping element, characterized in that it is provided with a supporting matrix consisting of a load-bearing ribbed core (1) with vertically or horizontally oriented ribs (2) and grooves between the ribs, having a shape and size of its peripherals (3) adjusted to the shape and size of the casing, and with at least one reinforcing rod (5) situated perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the ribs (2) in the ribs' (2) apertures, and, additionally, characterized in that the casing side panels are provided with impressions (7) adjusted to the shape and thickness of the sign.

Abstract: Firearm cleaning kits and handles therefore optimized for pulling cleaning elements through firearm barrels away from the breach or action. Dislodged residue is displaced and removed out the muzzle. Each cleaning kit comprises one or more handles designed for axial displacements, twisting or torsional displacements, and lateral movements for pulling. Each handle comprises an elongated solid or hollow body with a bore and a slotted handle intersecting the bore. A pull cord anchor is passed through the bore, and after sliding the cable, the anchor is restrained by the follower slot either interiorly or exteriorly of the handle. A tapered front end of the handle may include a threaded socket for connection to a cleaning rod or a driving surface. The opposite handle end may include a hex drive for a variety of cleaning tools.

Abstract: A mounting device for the detachable attachment of an aiming device on a handgun with a holding device which includes the clamping jaws for the detachable attachment of the holding device to the handgun and at least one repelling roller for the positive locking engagement on the handgun. In order to enable a stable and accurately reproducible attachment of an aiming device, the repelling roller includes two mutually facing and mutually separate engagement elements for the engagement in two mutually separate recesses on the handgun.

Abstract: Various gun sights and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, a gun sight includes a light source adapted to project light, a user-viewable interface, and an optical element. The optical element includes a first surface adapted to pass the light to provide a reticle at the user-viewable interface. The optical element also includes a second surface adapted to refract the light to provide a light guide at a peripheral area of the user-viewable interface to aid a user to substantially align the user's eye with the reticle. Various mechanisms for aligning gun sights, attaching gun sights, related methods, and other embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: A method of lighting a target includes directing light through an ocular end of a firearm scope having a reticle to project the reticle on a target distanced from the firearm scope.

Abstract: A transmission-type OLED riflescope with a prism assembly having an ocular lens and an objective lens, wherein the prism assembly has a roof prism, a half pentaprism, an isosceles prism and a spectro-film, and the right end of a laser receiver abuts against the left end of the isosceles prism so that both of the laser receiver and the isosceles prism are located below the axis of the lens cone while the laser transmitter is located above the axis of the lens cone with the laser transmitted from the laser transmitter exiting after being refracted by the objective lens, while a transmission-type OLED display is arranged between the ocular lens and the prism assembly. Functions of the riflescope include observing, aiming, and laser ranging and transmission using the same objective lens. The viewer can also see the objects behind the lens.

Abstract: The scope ring includes a clamping mechanism, which provides an enhanced connection for Weaver and Picatinny style rails and rail bases. The scope ring includes a base member and a rail clamping member that bolt together at an angle and form the improved clamping mechanism. Tightening the fasteners draws the contact surfaces of the base member and the rail clamping member laterally inward against the sides of the rail base and vertically downward against the top of the rail base.

Abstract: A bird decoy, such as the kind used for hunting, includes a body and head representative of the type of bird (e.g., goose, duck, turkey, etc.) being decoyed. The head is removably attached to a body. A wind rotation mechanism is inserted into the ground to support the decoy. The wind rotation mechanism can be attached to the head of the decoy and can include a shaft rotatably inserted into a tube. A tether can connect the decoy to a stake in the ground to constrain movement of the decoy. A set of such decoys includes a plurality of decoy bodies nested together in a stack.

Abstract: A handle for a fishing rod is provided. The handle is of multi-piece construction and comprises a reel seat for securely receiving a fishing reel of various types. Portions of the handle are secured together to selectively form a secure connection between a rod and a reel.

Abstract: A fishing accessory for capturing a fishing bait anchored to a fishing line. The fishing accessory comprises a bottom end having a curved surface configured to seat against a fishing rod, and a top end coupled to the bottom end defining a cavity, the cavity having a first open end proximal the back end configured to receive an anchored bait and a second open end proximal the front end configured to support and capture the anchored bait while allowing the anchored portion to extend therethrough. A channel, extending from at least one surface external of the cavity to at least one surface defined by the cavity, extends from the first open end to the second open end and allows for the anchored portion to pass therethrough when mounting and uncoupling the anchored wire bait at the second open end of the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention includes improvements for fishing lures. In some embodiments, a blade of a fishing lure includes a louvered hole. The louvered hole increases the blade turning action as water moves through the hole making the lure more enticing to fish resulting in more bites/strikes. The size, shape, type, color, texture and other characteristics of the blade and the overall lure are all changeable. In a second embodiment, a lure includes one or more elongated tails. In some embodiments, the elongated tails float, spin, slow down the lure and/or generate an appearance similar to a living creature. Again, the other characteristics of the lure with elongated tails are all changeable.

Abstract: A fishing lure including an elongate body in the shape of a semiconductor integrated circuit having prongs extending from the body, the prongs being arranged in two generally parallel rows on opposite surfaces of the elongate body. The fishing lure also includes a hook coupled to a distal end of the elongate body, and an eyelet assembly coupled to a proximal end of the elongate body. Various flash materials (e.g., beads, a spoon, etc.) in combination with the prongs of the semiconductor integrated circuit shaped body stimulate the fish's natural instinct to strike. In one embodiment, the body actually comprises a semiconductor integrated circuit.

Abstract: A bobber, including a buoyant body having a cavity at a first end connected with a passageway through the bobber, and a first shielding structure extending from the body at the first end and at least partially surrounding said cavity. When gravity and/or acceleration forces cause the bobber to slide down the fishing line, the diameter or cross-sectional dimension of the bobber body is sufficiently greater than the diameter or size of the first shielding structure to shield or hide the barbed tip of a fishing hook when a portion of the hook is disposed in the bobber cavity and the tip is disposed outside of the first shielding structure.

Abstract: A floating aquatic pitfall trap system is disclosed for long-term monitoring of hydro- and hygrophilous insects, including for example biological control agents associated with aquatic vegetation.

Abstract: Pest detecting and trapping devices, including insect-trapping sheets defining adhesive surfaces, light sources supported proximate the adhesive surfaces, and power sources configured to deliver power to the light sources. In some examples, pest detecting and trapping devices may be particularly tailored to monitor pest activity within shipping containers during transit. Additionally, this disclosure discusses methods of detecting and trapping pests in shipping containers by providing pest detecting and trapping devices, placing the pest detecting and trapping devices within the shipping containers, and manipulating the pest detecting and trapping devices into closed configurations after passages of time.

Abstract: A contact trap for killing flying insects may include a combustion device for generating the attractants carbon dioxide, moisture and heat in situ in combination with an insecticide-impregnated target.

Abstract: An insect trap for mating disruption or monitoring purposes, comprising an at least substantially hollow body for containing an insect-attractant. The body is defined by a plurality of contiguous walls having interior and exterior surfaces, the interior surface of one or more of the plurality of contiguous walls at least partially covered with adhesive. The exterior surfaces define substantially flat faces, and adjacent ones of the plurality of contiguous walls meeting to define edges. At least one opening is defined in each of a majority of the contiguous walls, at least one of the openings being dimensioned to permit the ingress of insects into the interior of the body.

Abstract: A fuel additive composition that produces a potentiator as a chemical agent that alters the molecular makeup of fuel and causes a change in the burn cycle so that fuel is burned sooner, while at the same time reduce carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide, comprised of Copper Naphthenate, Manganese Naphthenate, Magnesium Peroxide, Citrus essential oils, and mineral oils, dissolved and blended.

Abstract: A compound having a structure represented by: wherein each of R1 to R6 is individually selected from a C1-C6 alkyl or H; provided that each of R1 to R6 is H, or at least one of R1 to R6 is methyl. Also disclosed is a hydrogen storage system that includes the compound.

Abstract: A fuel additive for hydrocarbon fuel that is fueled in fired burners and open flames for enhancing fuel storage, for enhancing fuel combustion by increasing fuel efficiency, and/or for reducing undesirable emissions, such as pollutants, includes an inorganic metal oxide, a metal carboxylate, an acid, and an organic dispersion fluid.

Abstract: Provided is a low-temperature fluidity improver capable of efficiently improving the low-temperature fluidity of a biodiesel fuel. The low-temperature fluidity improver for biodiesel fuels includes a specific aromatic carboxylic acid-based compound.

Abstract: Biodiesel fuels, renewable diesel fuels and feedstocks to these fuels (derived from plant seed oils or animal fats) are viewed as more environmentally friendly, renewable alternative fuels or supplemental fuels with petroleum-based diesel. Alkyl phenol amine aldehyde condensates improve the stability of biofuels by inhibiting the degradation processes. Alkyl phenylene diamines employed together with alkyl phenol amine aldehyde condensates in the biofuels give synergistically improved stability of the fuels.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for converting biomass-derived streams of hydrocarbon diols into products suitable for use as a biomass-derived fuel additive. These methods involve the condensation of diols comprising five or six carbon atoms to form condensation products containing at least ten carbon atoms. The remaining hydroxyl functional groups of the condensation products are optionally modified to decrease overall polarity of the products, and improve miscibility with liquid hydrocarbon mixtures.

Abstract: A hay-based fuel log formed of a combination of pieces of hay and a binding agent. The hay pieces and the binding agent are compressed together into a solid shape. The hay-based fuel log is fabricated so that the majority of the hay-binder combination is made of the hay. The binder is selected to be sufficient to keep the hay pieces joined together in its selected shape. The binder may be wax paraffin, plastic, corn starch or potato starch or any combination thereof. The hay-based fuel log is fabricated by compressing the hay-binder mixture together with sufficient pressure to enable the hay pieces to stay together.

Abstract: A bouquet making apparatus comprises a plurality of bouquet forms movably supported at spaced locations along a conveying device. Each bouquet form includes upper and lower stem supports that hold bouquet elements, such as flowers, at an angle with respect to vertical. As each bouquet maker travels along the conveying device, workers spaced along the conveying device sequentially insert sets of flowers into upper and lower stem supports until each bouquet maker hold a final bouquet set. Each of the final bouquet sets are removed from the bouquet form and secured with a fastener, thereby forming a plurality of twisted stem-type bouquets having a substantially identical design appearance.

Abstract: A system comprises a first section comprising a plurality of horizontal elements, wherein each of the elements consists of an integrated loop at either end of the elements, wherein the elements can be evenly spaced apart and a second section, comprising a plurality of horizontal elements, wherein each of the elements consists of an integrated loop at either end of the elements, wherein the elements can be evenly spaced apart.

Abstract: Method and lighting device for providing artificial light optimally to plants is achieved effectively by moving both the lighting device (2, 3 and 4) and its emission pattern to maximize incident light on the plants (5, 6 and 7) being cultivated. The horticultural lighting device illuminates plants so that the lighting device is moved vertically and at least one light emitter (3 and 4) and/or reflector (2) is rotated to maximize light exposure from the lighting device on the plants (5, 6 and 7). In the best mode the movable and rotatable lighting device is used to grow very high plants. The lighting device (2, 3 and 4) is moved by a motor programmed to change the position of the lighting device and the orientation of the emission pattern in accordance with the growth cycle of the plants in the greenhouse (350) to maximize incident flux on the plants.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a portable and/or movable plant support system that can be used in a consumer setting in which a plant is grown with the movable support system and can be moved from one place to another without altering the plant's growth and in an embodiment of which an indeterminate plant can be grown and allowed to be lowered when lower portions of the plant stop producing, thus allowing for new growth and thus enhanced production at the top of the plant.

Abstract: An anti-penetration and gas permeable potting container and preparation method thereof are disclosed. The anti-penetration and gas permeable potting container is made by bonding aggregate particles with hydrophobic binder, and pores which allow gas molecules to penetrate and liquid water molecules not to penetrate are formed between adjacent aggregate particles. Further, a potting planting container applying said potting container is disclosed, wherein it includes a cultivating layer, and a base anti-penetration layer formed of waterproof and gas permeable particles which is provided between the potting container and the bottom of the cultivating layer. Pores which allow gas molecules to penetrate and liquid water molecules not to penetrate are formed between adjacent waterproof and gas permeable particles. Said pores are thoroughly distributed on the base anti-penetration layer. The container can prevent water from flowing from its bottom, and has gas permeable property.

Abstract: A method for forming floral packaging materials from biodegradable and/or renewable polymeric materials is provided. Methods of utilizing such floral packaging materials are also provided.

Abstract: A modular planting system for roof applications includes a plurality of green roof planter modules each comprising a planter including a bottom wall and a plurality of sidewalls that cooperate with the bottom wall to form an interior space, and a biodegradable insert including a bottom wall and a plurality of sidewalls that cooperate with the bottom wall to form an interior space, wherein the insert is adapted to retain a plant matter in the interior space of the insert, the plurality of sidewalls of the insert extend above the plurality of sidewalls of the planter, and wherein the plurality of sidewalls of the insert are adapted to retain a plant matter that extends above the plurality of sidewalls of the planter.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of growing plants in a mineral wool growth substrate, the method comprising: providing at least one mineral wool growth substrate comprising man-made vitreous fibres bonded with a cured binder composition, and positioning one or more seeds or plants for growth in the growth substrate, and allowing growth of the one or more plants, wherein the binder composition prior to curing comprises: a) a sugar component, and b) a reaction product of a polycarboxylic acid component and an alkanolamine component, wherein the binder composition prior to curing contains at least 42% by weight of the sugar component based on the total weight (dry matter) of the binder components.

Abstract: A hydroponic pond is provided that has a depth preferably in the approximate range of from 24 inches to 36 inches. This depth of pond water provides a volume of water that increases thermal stability of the hydroponic pond. A nutritional formulation is developed in view of an analysis of a source water make-up for combination with the source water to achieve a desired chemical and nutritional mix. The nutritional formulation and the source water are then combined and placed within a hydroponic pond. A computational system is provided that monitors the state of a hydroponic environment and directs input modules as programmed and in order to sponsor plant growth, plant quality and volume of plant yield.