Abstract: A fiber preform is obtained by conforming panels of fiber texture on a former having a surface that reproduces the shape desired for a surface of the nozzle or the nozzle divergent section that is to be made. The panels are bonded together via their mutually contacting edges. A consolidated fiber reinforcement is formed by shaping the fiber preform impregnated with a consolidation composition including a resin. The shaping of the fiber preform is performed between the former and a jacket applied against the impregnated fiber preform so as the consolidated fiber reinforcement has a fiber volume percentage of at least 35%, and a thickness of less than 5 mm over at least a major fraction of its axial dimension. The densification of the fiber reinforcement is continued by chemical vapor infiltration after pyrolyzing the resin so that once densified, a part is obtained that has practically the shape and the wall thickness of the nozzle or the nozzle divergent section that is to be made.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for fabricating a heat pipe, and an instrument of the method. The method for fabricating a heat pipe includes providing a hollow tube, wherein the hollow tube has an open end and a closed end; disposing a mandril into the hollow tube from the open end, wherein the inside wall of the hollow tube is separated from the mandril by a space, and wherein the mandril comprises a first portion and a second portion and the first portion has a thermal expansion coefficient larger than that of the second portion; filling up the space between the mandril and the hollow tube with a powder; performing a sintering process to the hollow tube, forming a first agglomeration region and a second agglomeration region; removing the mandril; injecting a working fluid into the hollow tube; and sealing the open end of the hollow tube.

Abstract: A method of making an electronic droplet discharge head includes positioning a channel forming member and an actuator unit. The channel forming member includes a liquid chamber which communicates with a discharge port. The liquid chamber has an opening to a surface of the channel forming member. The actuator unit includes an electrode and applies discharge energy to liquid contained in the liquid chamber. The positioning method includes acquiring a position of a centroid of the liquid chamber in the surface direction based on an image of the opening; acquiring a position of a centroid of the electrode based on an image of the electrode; and positioning the channel forming member and the actuator unit based on the position of the centroids so that the liquid chamber and the electrode have a positional relationship to the surface direction.

Abstract: An apparatus has a first plate having a first array of holes, with a first plate alignment hole having a smaller size than the other holes in the array, a second plate having a second array of holes to be alignable to the first array of holes, a second plate alignment hole having a smaller size than the other holes in the array, and the first plate alignment hole and the second plate alignment hole having different positions. A method of aligning plates provides a first plate having a top and bottom and first array of holes including a first plate alignment hole having a size smaller than the other holes in the first array, places a second plate having a second array of holes on the top of the first plate such that the first array of holes and the second array of holes align, directs light at the bottom of the first plate, locates a profile of the first plate alignment hole in the second array of holes to verify alignment.

Abstract: A method for forming a print head having a plurality of reentrant structures to reduce wetting of the print head surface by the ink during use, and a resulting structure. The method can include the use of a single photosensitive layer to form plurality of reentrant structures, each having a pillar and a cap which overhangs the pillar. A plurality of print head nozzles can also be formed during the formation of the reentrant structures. Embodiments can include the formation of pillars, caps, and nozzles using three different masks, two different masks, or a single mask.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of a power assisted steering control valve including a pinion shaft, an input shaft and a torsion bar comprising following steps: receiving into clamping fixtures of an assembly machine a pre-assembled loose assembly of said pinion shaft, input shaft and torsion bar, establishing and recording a predefined rotation clearance between a shoulder of said pinion shaft and an end of said input shaft, rotating said input shaft in opposing directions between rotation limiting stops to said pinion shaft, pressing a first end of said torsion bar into said input shaft to form a locked together assembly of said input shaft and said torsion bar, and axially advancing said assembly of said input shaft mid said torsion bar into said pinion shaft so as to press a second end of said torsion bar into a locked together assembly with said pinion shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a corner of a frame-type spacer for insulating glass panels by (a) making a metal hollow profile rod available, which rod has an outer wall, two parallel flanks, and an inner wall, (b) indenting the inner wall and the two flanks in the position of the hollow profile rod where the corner is supposed to be formed, and (c) bending the hollow profile rod by a defined angle.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a rolling bearing device which can improve operational efficiency and can enhance productivity thereof is provided. The method includes the steps of: applying an adhesive agent to fitting portions formed between inner rings of two rolling bearings which are arranged coaxially in a spaced-apart manner in an axial direction and a shaft which is fitted in the inner rings and fitting portions formed between outer rings of two rolling bearings and a sleeve which is fitted on the outer rings; bringing the inner rings and the shaft into fitting engagement and the outer rings and the sleeve into fitting engagement respectively; and welding, in a state where the inner rings to which the adhesive agent is applied in the adhesive agent applying step are brought close to each other due to pushing of the inner rings in the axial direction, the pushed inner rings to the shaft by laser welding using laser power which does not generate thermal deformation of the pushed inner rings.

Abstract: A method for producing, ball rollers. The following method steps are performed to produce the ball rollers: (A) cutting unfinished sections at a defined length from a round wire that has a defined diameter, (B) compression molding ball roller blanks that have end face depressions in the form of a die tool, and (C) grinding the ball roller blanks to the desired final dimensions in a ball grinding machine. The cut-off unfinished sections have a volume by which during compression molding an approximately tangential raceway transition from one ball roller half to the other ball roller half and material fibers extending under the running surfaces of the ball rollers parallel or approximately parallel to the running surfaces arise. In addition, the ball roller blanks are ground to the final dimensions in a horizontal ball grinding machine loaded exclusively with ball roller blanks of the same size.

Abstract: A shaving implement includes a blade assembly configured for a wet shaving process wherein a user of the shaving implement grips a handle and draws the blade assembly across a surface of skin to be shaved. The shaving implement also includes an energy-imparting device, circuitry, and an activation device. The energy-imparting device is configured to impart energy to enhance the wet shaving process. The activation device is configured to impart a signal to the circuitry in response to handling of the shaving implement during the wet shaving process. In response to receiving the signal, the circuitry either extends or initiates an application of signals to the energy-imparting device that enable the energy-imparting device to impart energy that enhances the wet shaving process.

Abstract: A head including a housing (3A, 3B) for a winding spool (7) for winding the cutting line (F), provided with projections (15, 19) cooperating with teeth (17, 21) integral with the housing. The teeth and the projections are arranged in such a way so as to allow a stepped rotation of the spool with respect to the housing, when the spool is translated alternatively in opposite directions parallel to the axis of the head. The head includes a first series of teeth and a second series of teeth (21A, 21) which can be used alternatively and which are suitable each to allow the rotation of the spool (7) in one direction and to prevent the rotation in the opposite direction with respect to the housing.

Abstract: A knife has a handle with an enlarged proximate end grip portion having ribbed and unribbed surfaces. The handle has oppositely disposed thumb receiving concave unribbed surfaces at the distal end for alternate pinch-grip functions. The knife blade has a cutting edge that extends proximately below and adjacent the enlarged grip portion, and is proximately disposed with respect to the thumb receiving pinch-grip concave surfaces. The knife provides diverse impaired grip cutting functions with comfort and with fatigue.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for attaching a bar of a hand-held motor driven tool to a body of the tool, the arrangement including: at least one bolt, having a first part, securely arranged to the body, and a second part extending from the body, the second part having an engagement portion for engaging a nut; a cover portion adapted to bear against a bar such that the bar is arranged between the cover portion and the body; and at least one nut, captively attached to the cover portion. The nut is adapted to engage the engagement portion of the bolt for securing a bar between the cover portion and the body, the nut having a rotation axis. Thereby, an attachment arrangement is achieved that facilitates changing of bars when the nut used in the attachment arrangement is captively arranged to the cover portion.

Abstract: A chain saw includes a guide bar for a saw chain, a housing, a sprocket wheel cover, and a stud fixed on the housing for threadably fastening the sprocket wheel cover and the guide bar. The free thread end of the stud has a maximum usable screw-in depth (tmax) for a nut. A stop for the sprocket wheel cover having a stop surface as well as a support surface for contact engaging the stop surface are provided. In the mounted state of the guide bar, a distance (a) remains between the stop surface and the support surface. The support surface contact engages the stop surface when the guide bar is removed and the nut is tightened and screwed onto the studs to a stop screw-in depth. The stop is configured in such a manner that the maximum usable screw-in depth (tmax) is greater than the stop screw-in depth.

Abstract: A razor including an elongated shaving cartridge that has at least one blade with a blade edge extending along a transversal axis. The razor includes a razor handle with a handle body having a hollow housing with an opening at its front end and a cartridge carrier that carries the shaving cartridge and is slidably mounted on the handle body between shaving and non-shaving positions. The razor handle also includes an actuator rotatably mounted on the handle body for controlling cartridge carrier motions, and a transmission mechanism that converts actuator rotation into a sliding motion of the cartridge carrier. The opening of the handle body is elongated, with a length sufficient to accommodate the shaving cartridge with the blade edge extending along the transversal axis. In both the shaving and non-shaving positions, and while between the shaving and non-shaving positions, the shaving cartridge extends parallel to the transversal axis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to tools that are lightweight, high quality, durable, rigid and strong. For example, various tools used to level items and/or as a straight edge for aligning or drawing lines on items may be designed in an improved or augmented I beam style so that they are lightweight, strong, durable and rigid so as to hold their shape under stress or return to their original shape after being stressed. In various exemplary embodiments, the I beam style level and/or straight edge may have a first main elongated side to which two elongated perpendicular sides are connected or coupled. At least one or more higher strength elongated sides, for example a second elongate side, may be comprised of a closed or box shaped side. For example, the second elongated side may be, for example, a box shaped construction.

Abstract: A method for performing a diagnostic or calibration procedure on a portable articulated arm coordinate measurement machine (AACMM). The AACMM includes a manually positionable articulated arm portion having opposed first and second ends, the arm portion including a plurality of connected arm segments, each of the arm segments including at least one position transducer for producing position signals. The AACMM also includes an electronic circuit having a self-contained operating environment that includes a user interface application and a display device in communication with the user interface application. In addition, a measurement device is attached to the first end of the AACMM. The user interface application and display device are configured to facilitate performing and displaying results of a diagnostic or calibration procedure on the AACMM.

Abstract: A marking device for marking the location for a support for a mountable object, such as a picture frame, has a body with a compressible or collapsible configuration and adhesive for removably attaching a back face to a backside of the mountable object. A marker is coupled to the body and disposed below a front face in an uncompressed configuration and projects at least to the front face to mark the surface in the compressed configuration. The marker is disposed adjacent a perimeter edge of the body to facilitate alignment. A sighting notch can be formed in the body with the marker at the apex of the notch to facilitate alignment.

Abstract: A device and method for cleaning a lint filter in a clothes dryer. The clothes dryer includes an air channel connected to a drum to supply air into the drum and to guide air discharged from the drum, a dehumidification unit disposed in the air channel to condense moisture contained in the air discharged from the drum, a waterspout to collect condensed water created by the dehumidification unit, a filter to filter lint from the air discharged from the drum, a cleaning nozzle to spray water to the filter to remove the lint from the filter, a recovery water tank to receive water from the waterspout, and a cleaning water tank connected to the recovery water tank to receive water from the recovery water tank and to supply the water to the cleaning nozzle.

Abstract: A clothing dryer having a cover structure capable of increasing quantity of air generated from a cooling fan. The clothing dryer includes a first cover covering the cooling fan and a second cover connected to the first cover. A cutoff is provided at a connection area between the first cover and the second cover to branch a flow of air and is positioned below a rotational center of the cooling fan.

Abstract: A drying device has been developed having a single electric motor configured to drive a drum and directly drive an air blower. The single electric motor is a non-line frequency electric motor. The drum is coupled to a support frame to enable rotation of the drum relative the support frame. The drum has an interior space for holding a load of articles, such as clothing. The motor includes a controller configured to increase gradually the angular velocity of the drum to provide a “soft start” for the dryer.

Abstract: A dryer is provided. The dryer may include a main body having an inner space formed therein, a support body arranged in the main body so as to form a frame of the main body, a flexible drum rotatably installed on the support body so as to have a non-circular cross-section as it is rotated, and rotation guides arranged between the support body and the flexible drum so as to guide rotation of the flexible drum. A distance from a center of rotation of an inscribed circle contacting the inner circumferential surface of the flexible drum to one random point on the inner circumferential surface of the flexible drum is greater than a distance from the center of rotation of the inscribed circle to another point on the inscribed circle such that the drum maintains a non-circular cross section.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the non-contact drying of a web of material. The apparatus includes air flotation nozzles for floating the web, and direct air impingement nozzles for enhanced drying of the web. The nozzle arrangement is particularly well-suited to float and dry light weight webs under moderate to high tension. Increased cushion pressure is created to support the web preferably with the same horsepower as conventional arrangements. The increased cushion pressure pad of the nozzle arrangement allows for good flotation with reduced velocities below about 11,500 FPM. Machine direction wrinkles are removed and the result is positive flotation with no marking on the web or ink build up on the air bars. The nozzle arrangement includes pairs of flotation nozzles directly opposing pairs of direct impingement nozzles. A perforated member can be positioned between flotation nozzles within a pair of flotation nozzles to control return air.

Abstract: The invention relates to footwear comprising a sole and an upper, which sole is attached to spring means supported on a ground surface, which spring means comprise at least one U-shaped spring element, which is connected to the sole with a first leg and which is supported on the ground surface with the other leg. A drawback of such footwear is that the spring means are constructed with a certain overmeasure in relation to the footwear so as to generate a certain useful spring effect. Adjusting the spring means of said known footwear is complex and cannot be done efficiently. The object of the invention is to provide improved footwear as referred to in the introduction, as well as improved spring means according to the invention, with on the one hand small constructional dimensions while retaining an advantageous spring effect, which is furthermore easier to adjust.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a shock absorbing heel system is disclosed. The heel system includes a lower heel plate, a set of support members, and an upper heel plate. Also, the heel system includes a heel cover configured to hide the upper heel plate from view. The lower heel plate is associated with a cantilever portion that supports the upper heel plate laterally. As force is applied to the heel system, the support members may compress slightly and the cantilever portion may lower, absorbing energy and or shocks applied by the ground.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure incorporates a support element that includes a fluid-filled chamber, a first insert, and a second insert. The chamber defines a first surface, an opposite second surface, and a sidewall extending between the first surface and the second surface. The first insert is secured to the first surface and at least partially recessed into the polymer material of the chamber, and the second insert is secured to the second surface. In addition, the chamber may be pressurized to deform the first insert or the second insert.

Abstract: Support liners and cushions which include including a plurality of compressible protrusions. An arrangement is provided for interconnecting the compressible protrusions, the interconnecting arrangement being adapted to ensure strict compression of the compressible protrusions upon acceptance of a compressive force.

Abstract: A cleat for footwear. The cleat includes a base layer that attaches to the outsole of the footwear, a cushioning layer and a traction element layer. The traction element layer is attached to the base layer solely by the cushioning layer. Each of the cleat layers provides friction with the ground when the cleat engages the ground. The durometer of the base layer and the durometer of the traction element layer are greater than the durometer of the cushioning layer. When a user steps on a surface wearing a shoe outfitted with these cleats, the resilience of the cushioning layer at once both lessens the impact of the traction elements on the ground surface and lessens the reaction force on the user's foot transmitted through the shoe's outsole. The user's comfort is thereby enhanced.

Abstract: Footwear includes an insole with integral massaging pads to aid in relaxation, relief of sore feet, and stimulation for various body parts through reflexology. A sole portion is provided with a plurality of bumps and ridges designed to impact and massage various reflex areas of the feet while walking. These bumps and ridges correspond to various areas of the foot that are linked to various points and organs in the human body such as kidneys, liver, skeletal joints, and the like. Thus, as the user walks, they experience a massaging effect resulting in increased comfort, relaxation, and overall body wellness. The beneficial features of the footwear may be incorporated various styles of footwear including sandals, shoes, boots, and the like.

Abstract: A drilling bucket adapted to combine with a prime mover vehicle such as an excavator. The drilling bucket includes a floor pivotally combined with the bucket. The floor has an open position wherein collected spoils are emptied from the bucket and a closed position for retaining spoils in the bucket during operation. A release assembly is adapted to securely hold the floor in its closed position until it is actuated to release it to its open position. Some embodiments of the drilling bucket comprise two separate internal cavities. The first cavity is adapted to receive the spoils as the bucket is rotated beneath the ground by the prime mover vehicle. The second cavity is adapted to house portions of the release assembly. The second cavity may serve as a vent which allows air to pass the bucket as the bucket is being raised or lowered in a hole.

Abstract: A grapple device includes a torque tube, a pivot, a rod and cylinder, a pivot link, and a tooth. The torque tube has first and second torque pivot points and is adapted to be mounted on a bucket. The pivot is rotatably connected to the first torque pivot point at a pivot cross tube located at a second end of the pivot, and the pivot further comprises a pivot collar at a first end, and first and second pivot faces adjacent the pivot collar. The rod and cylinder are operatively connected to the second torque pivot point, includes a rod and a cylinder, and has a rod pivot at a first end of the rod.

Abstract: A steam generating appliance such as an electric iron comprises a base unit and a hand-held mobile unit which can be releasably coupled to the base unit. The base unit comprises a reservoir for water and a pump for pumping water from the reservoir into the mobile unit when the mobile unit is coupled to the base unit. The mobile unit comprises a boiler and an on-board reservoir for water, wherein the on-board reservoir is adapted to store water received from the base unit under pressure and to deliver the water to the boiler under the control of a user-operable valve.

Abstract: A steam discharge unit (1) comprises a chamber (10) for accommodating a flow of a water-steam mixture and heating the water-steam mixture, an inlet (11) to the chamber (10), and an outlet (12) from the chamber (10). In order to avoid water droplets from exiting the chamber (10) through the outlet (12) along with a flow of steam, special measures are taken, which comprise a barrier (20) arranged inside the chamber (10), in a flow path of a water-steam mixture from the inlet (11) to the outlet (12), and a hydrophobic surface (30) arranged preferably close to the outlet (12). In case water droplets remain inside the chamber (10) and tend to move towards the outlet (12), an actual release of the water droplets from the chamber (10) cannot take place by virtue of the presence of the barrier (20) and the hydrophobic surface (30) as mentioned.

Abstract: A holder for receiving and holding a gift card includes one or more pop-up elements that project upward from the inner surfaces of the main body of the holder. When presented for sale, a backer panel bearing a removeably attached gift card projects from the holder and is separable from the holder post-sale by tearing or cutting along perforation line therebetween. The gift card is removed from the backer panel and installed upon a pop-element inside in the holder, the holder is secured in a closed position and the holder is presented to the gift recipient.

Abstract: A protective helmet of a type worn by a firefighter or by an emergency worker, wherein the protective helmet is equipped with a mounting device, by which a badge having a front face bearing indicia is mounted to the protective helmet. The mounting device comprises a fitment, which is mounted to the protective helmet and which has a recess opening downwardly and receiving an upper portion of the badge, the upper portion comprising an upper end of the badge. The mounting device comprises a blade, which is mounted to the protective helmet and which has a portion extending upwardly along a back face of the badge as far as the upper edge of the badge, or farther. The badge may be predominantly made of leather. The blade is a leaf spring, which biases the badge frontwardly.

Abstract: A method and system for an illuminated display. The display can include a first image that may be illuminated by a light source and a second image that may be illuminated by a light source. The light source may be a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and the LEDs and uniform illumination may be achieved through the use of waveguides. Additionally, the display may be such that it is flexible and that it may be mounted in any of a variety of locations and onto any of a variety of objects.

Abstract: A sign system includes a sign member and a mounting member. The sign member is configured to be used as a display for displaying words, graphics, etc. In this regard, the sign member has a front surface on which the words or graphics can be displayed. In an embodiment, the sign member is made of a material that is rigid or substantially rigid such that the sign member 105 can maintain its shape on its own. The mounting member is at least partially made of a flexible material that can conform to a display post of various shapes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a collapsible display-arrangement (A; B) having a base unit (2) for placing against a support surface (1), a sheet (4) that can be rolled up or unrolled and on which a picture and/or text appears, and also a support (3) for retaining the sheet, the upper edge (4a) of the sheet being arranged for co-operation with said support (3). At least one end part of said upper edge (4a) is designed to be able to be provided with a permanent magnet (7) or the like, and the magnetisation direction or directions is/are so chosen that an attractive force will operate between said permanent magnet (7) and a permanent magnet (7a?) pertaining to an adjacent display arrangement (B).

Abstract: A bullpup conversion kit for a firearm includes a housing, a forward trigger assembly, a trigger actuator and a linkage connecting the forward trigger assembly with the trigger actuator. The trigger actuator includes a first locator plate, a second locator plate and a cam actuator positioned between the locator plates. The cam actuator includes a primary trigger engagement surface.

Abstract: A thermal barrier (1) for firearms (A) comprising a body (2), optionally substantially cylindrical, made of a ceramic material. The body (2) is shaped and configured for being placed between a respective barrel (C) of a firearm (A) and at least one structure (S) of the firearm (A). The body (2) of the thermal barrier (1) has a first portion (3) suitable for remaining facing the barrel (C) of the respective firearm (A), and a second portion (4) facing the side opposite with respect to the first portion (3), optionally suitable for bearing upon at least one portion of the structure (S) of the firearm (A).

Abstract: A protective cover for a firearm lower receiver attaches directly and securely to the lower receiver, protecting it from any impact or debris, yet it may still be used with existing firearm protective cases and bags. Forward and rearward assembly pin holes allow securing of the protective cover to the lower receiver with assembly pins. An extrusion on a lower surface of the protective cover is capable of depressing a magazine door of a magazine installed in the lower receiver and may be transparent to allow a user to view contents of the magazine while keeping the contents protected from debris.

Abstract: Firearms are provided than can include a firearm frame having a grip attached thereto; a power source recessed within the grip; and a power coupling assembly positioned along the frame, the assembly being in electronic communication with the power source. Firearm frames are provided that can include a grip having a power source therein; and at least one power line extending from the power source to an exterior portion of the frame. Methods of powering a firearm accessory are provided that can include providing a power source within a grip of the firearm; and powering the firearm accessory with the power source.

Abstract: A rod and reel assembly for deep water fishing. The rod employs a structure that eliminates the need for line guides along the length of the structure by use of a swivel guide that maintains the line between two rod members. The swivel roller is placed at the distal end of the structure allowing fishing line deployed from a mounted reel to the swivel roller to pass unobstructed through the structure. Also disclosed is an electric reel that includes a cantilever spool having an enlarged interior allowing hand control of free spooling. A two stage drag system employs a first set of springs to allow hands free spooling with minimal drag and a second set of springs for proper setting for the fish hauling.

Abstract: A saltwater fishing assembly including a body resembling a forage fish. The body includes a quick connect device that is swivelable relative to a fishing line and is reelable to a fishing rod tip. A quick connection subassembly is connectable to the quick connect device of the body and includes a hook and is releasable with a hooked fish. Methods of using the fishing assembly are also provided.

Abstract: The thermally insulated vest for use with a modified bait storing bucket is an improvement over existing bait buckets in that it includes a thermally insulated vest that adorns an exterior surface of the bucket. The thermally insulated vest is comprised of a plurality of layers consisting of a plastic mesh, foil liner, insulation, and gel pack. At least two freezer packs adorn an exterior surface of the thermally insulated vest, and aid in cooling the contents of the bucket. The bucket includes a drain hole and plug to evacuate fluids from within. A lid having a lid vent rests atop the bucket, and is secured thereon via securing means. The thermally insulated vest has a height less than the height of the vest.

Abstract: An animal deterring device has a carrier with a first conductive trace that is separated from a second conductive trace. The carrier has a bottom with a first glue trough disposed beneath the first conductive trace. The first conductive trace is coupled to the carrier by a first fastener that extends from the first glue trough to the first conductive trace.

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: An enhanced-stability, A-frame-shaped plant support for the support of plants such as tomato vines, or other fruits and vegetables growing in soil which, while supporting plants laden with heavy fruits or vegetables, is stable and greenhouse tent wind-sail resistant, in part because of a readily usable starting width gauge indicator on detent latch members operable to controlling the ultimate width between pivotable opposing halves of the plant support during installation to a desired depth in the soil. After use, when removed from the soil, the A-frame-shaped plant support collapses, pivoting about preferably hog-ring type interconnection rings between the opposing halves of the plant support for facilitating easy removal from the ground and folding flat for easy storage.

Abstract: A light guiding film including: a light entrance portion which allows incident light from a light source to enter; a wavelength converting portion which absorbs the incident light and converts the wavelength of the incident light to a wavelength utilizable for growth of a plant; and a light exit portion which allows the light with the converted wavelength to exit.

Abstract: A bag constructed of a weed suppression material for packaging a ground cover material. When the bag is in a closed configuration, the bag serves as a container for shipping, handling, and storage of the ground cover material. When the bag is opened and unfolded, and the ground cover material within the bag is spread over the opened and unfolded bag, the bag serves as a layer of weed suppression material on top of underlying soil and beneath the ground cover.