Abstract: A portable golf club face measurement device, which accurately and quickly measures data regarding, for example, the orientation of the golf club face relative to the shaft and the orientation of the golf club face relative to a point located on the toe of the club, is disclosed herein. The measurement device has a face probe, a retaining arm, at least one gauge, and at least one clamp.

Abstract: A size inspection device includes a detecting platform, a positioning assembly, four first detecting assemblies, four second detecting assemblies, a third detecting assembly, and a controller. The detecting platform includes a mounting plate. The positioning assembly is detachably mounted on the mounting plate for holding the workpiece on the detecting platform. The controller is electronically connected to the first detecting assemblies, the second detecting assemblies, and the third detecting assembly. The four first detecting assemblies and the four second detecting assemblies are slidably mounted on the mounting plate and are capable of obtaining a first moving distance and a second moving distance respectively. The third detecting assembly is mounted on the mounting plate and is capable of obtaining a third moving distance. The controller obtains the moving distances and determines whether or not the workpiece is of passing or failing quality.

Abstract: A template having tapered openings can be employed to enable injection of underfill material through gaps having a width less than a lateral dimension of an injector needle for the underfill material. Each tapered opening has a first lateral dimension on an upper side and a second lateral dimension on a lower side. Compliant material portions can be employed to accommodate variations in distance between the template and stacked semiconductor chips and/or an injector head. Optionally, another head can be employed to apply compressed gas to push out the underfill material after the underfill material is applied to the gaps. Multiple injector heads can be employed to simultaneously inject the underfill material at different sites. An adhesive layer can be substituted for the at least one lower compliant material portion.

Abstract: A system for determining ash height in a filter is disclosed. The system may comprise a string, and a pressure source configured to propel a portion of the string down a channel of a filter. A method for determining ash height in a filter is also disclosed. The method may comprise propelling a portion of a string down a channel of a filter, and determining an ash height in the filter channel based on a measurement of the string inside the filter channel and a known length of a clean filter channel having no ash accumulation.

Abstract: A top adapted to match and close from above a cabinet of a laundry drying appliance, is provided. The top is formed as a ready-to-mount part ready to be mounted to the cabinet and forming a moisture condensing module for dehydrating drying air used to dry laundry within a drying drum of the laundry drying appliance. The top has a drying air inlet for receiving moisture-laden drying air, a drying air outlet for delivering demoisturized drying air, fluid passageways defined thereinside from the drying air inlet to the drying air outlet for the passage of the drying air to be dehydrated and a moisture condenser arranged inside the fluid passageways.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a calculation method and calculation device for an average sublimation interface temperature, bottom part temperature, and sublimation rate of the whole to-be-dried material introduced into a drying chamber of a freeze-drying device without contaminating or collapsing the to-be-dried material. [Solution] The present invention is applied to a freeze-drying device that includes a drying chamber DC, a cold trap CT, vacuum adjustment means for adjusting the degree of the vacuum in the drying chamber DC, and a control device CR for automatically controlling the operations of the above elements.

Abstract: A method for controlling a rotatable-drum laundry drier to dry laundry in a drum is provided. The control method includes the steps of memorizing, in a memory device of the laundry drier, a comparison threshold variable in time according to a predetermined profile, and, at predetermined drying times in the laundry drying cycle, measuring an electric quantity indicating the moisture in the laundry at the drying time; comparing, at each drying time, the measured electric quantity with the memorized comparison threshold corresponding to the drying time; and determining the end of drying cycle time on the basis of this comparison.

Abstract: A cross flow aeration system for aerating particulate materials disposed in a storage bin. The aeration system comprises a plurality of elongated hollow aerators. Each aerator is disposed inside the storage bin in proximity to an inside wall thereof having a substantially vertical orientation and has at least an opening for transmitting air from inside the aerator to the particulate materials. At least a blowing mechanism is in fluid communication with the plurality of aerators for providing the air thereto. At least an aerator air flow control mechanism may be disposed in each of the plurality of aerators for controlling flow of the air between a bottom section and a top section thereof. An elongated perforated venting tube is disposed approximately centrally within the storage bin. The venting tube extends generally upwardly to the bin roof for transmitting the air from the particulate materials to the bin roof and venting the same therefrom to a location external the storage bin.

Abstract: An oxidation furnace for the oxidative treatment of fibers, in particular for producing carbon fibers, with a housing which is gas-tight, apart from passage areas for the carbon fibers, and a process chamber located in the interior of the housing. Hot air can be blown into the process chamber by at least one air inlet device. Deflecting rollers flanking the process chamber guide the fibers arranged side by side in the form of a carpet through the process chamber in a serpentine manner, wherein each fiber carpet spans a plane between opposite deflecting rollers. The air inlet device allows hot to be diverted to the side of the deflecting rollers facing away from the process chamber such that hot air flows over the respective deflecting roller and the fibers before it enters the process chamber.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes one or more outsole portions. At least some of these outsole portions include a plurality of alternating upward-facing and downward-facing elongate channels. The channels may have a base and two sidewalls, with adjacent channels sharing a common sidewall. The bases of the downward-facing channels form an upper surface of the outsole portion and the bases of the upward-facing channels form a lower surface of the outsole portion. The sidewalls are arranged at non-perpendicular angles to the upper surface. A first outsole portion has a pressure-versus-strain curve having a local maximum at a “trip point” pressure value and a first strain value and wherein the pressure-versus-strain curve has a change in strain of at least approximately 10% before a second occurrence of the “trip point” pressure value is reached. An article of footwear having the sole structure attached to an upper is also provided.

Abstract: Shoe uppers having smooth seams and methods for producing them are disclosed. In one embodiment the upper uses thermoplastic seam tape which forms bonds between contiguous upper sections after being subjected to heat and/or pressure. In another embodiment, different parts of the shoe can be joined using hidden seams. Close seams can also be covered with a transfer material adapted to give the interior and/or exterior of the upper a smooth surface. In yet another embodiment, a method is disclosed which allows three-dimensional upper sections to be bonded on a last using thermoplastic seam tape.

Abstract: An article of footwear with an automatic lacing system is disclosed. The automatic lacing system provides a set of straps that can be automatically opened and closed to switch between a loosened and tightened position of the upper. The article further includes an automatic ankle cinching system that is configured to automatically adjust an ankle portion of the upper.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper and a sole structure fixedly attached to a bottom portion of the upper. The sole structure may include a sole component including a baseplate having a bottom surface and at least a first ground engaging member extending substantially downward from the bottom surface of the baseplate, the first ground engaging member having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. In addition, the sole structure may also include a tapered support structure having a substantially pyramidal shape and extending substantially downward from the bottom surface of the baseplate, abutting the first ground engaging member at a side portion, and partially surrounding the first ground engaging member such that a portion of the first ground engaging member is exposed between edges of the tapered support structure. Also, the tapered support structure may extend downward from the baseplate less than the first ground engaging member.

Abstract: An outsole structure includes a medial side, a lateral side, and a longitudinal axis. The outsole structure also has a forefoot portion, a heel portion, and a midfoot portion. The midfoot portion defines a recess and an insert received within the recess. The insert includes a base portion, medial wall that projects from the base portion, and a lateral wall that projects from the base portion. The insert additionally includes a first rib that projects from the base portion and that extends between the medial wall and the lateral wall. The insert further includes a second rib that projects from the base portion and that extends between the medial wall and the lateral wall. Moreover, the insert includes at least one pocket that is defined between the base portion, the medial wall, the lateral wall, the first rib, and the second rib.

Abstract: An article of footwear including an outer sole assembly and an upper, the outer sole assembly extending lengthwise from a rear end to a front end, widthwise between a lateral side and a medial side, and heightwise between a surface for contact with the ground and a surface for connecting to the upper, the sole assembly including a first reinforcing layer extending lengthwise from a rear end to a front end, widthwise between a lateral side and a medial side, and heightwise between a distal surface and a proximal surface, the first reinforcing layer having transverse slits. The sole assembly includes a wear layer and a first damping layer, the wear layer demarcating the contact surface. The first damping layer is located between the wear layer and the first reinforcing layer.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper configured to receive a foot and a sole component fixedly attached to a bottom portion of the upper. The sole component may include a baseplate having a bottom surface. The sole component may also include an arrangement of ground engaging members extending downward from the bottom surface of the baseplate. The baseplate may further include a reinforcing shank arrangement including a plurality of reinforcing strips formed of a different material than portions of the baseplate adjacent the reinforcing strips, wherein at least one of the reinforcing strips forms at least a portion of a base platform from which at least one of the ground engaging members extends.

Abstract: A climbing boot having a curved elongated shaft embedded vertically in a side of the boot and having an external spike attached to a lower end of the shaft wherein the boot may be used for climbing or walking.

Abstract: A method of insert molding comprises placing in a first mold a curable rubber composition comprising a reactive species; placing on a surface of the rubber composition a first thermoplastic material in a film or layer comprising a group reactive with the reactive species of the rubber composition; curing the rubber composition in the mold to form a first molded article of cured rubber having a first thermoplastic material layer covalently bonded through reactive of the reactive species and the group; placing the first molded article as an insert into a second mold, the cured rubber contacting an inside surface of the second mold and the thermoplastic layer facing into the second mold cavity; closing the second mold and injecting into the second mold a second thermoplastic material that to form a second molded article comprising the first molded article thermally welded and/or covalently bonded to the second thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A method of insert molding comprises placing in a first mold a curable rubber composition comprising a reactive species; placing on a surface of the rubber composition a first thermoplastic material in a film or layer comprising a group reactive with the reactive species of the rubber composition; curing the rubber composition in the mold to form a first molded article of cured rubber having a first thermoplastic material layer covalently bonded through reactive of the reactive species and the group; placing the first molded article as an insert into a second mold, the cured rubber contacting an inside surface of the second mold and the thermoplastic layer facing into the second mold cavity; closing the second mold and injecting into the second mold a second thermoplastic material that to form a second molded article comprising the first molded article thermally welded and/or covalently bonded to the second thermoplastic material.

Abstract: An automated variable speed control system for a cutter head of a dredging cutter has a cutter head and a pump. The pump pumps cuttings from the cutter head through a cuttings discharge line. A sensor monitors amperage draw of the pump. A controller controls speed of movement of the cutter head based upon data received from the sensor. The controller increases a speed of movement of the cutter head through the materials when the amperage draw of the pump falls below the determined amperage range and the controller decreases the speed of movement of the cutter head through the materials when the amperage draw of the pump exceeds the determined amperage range.

Abstract: A method of dredging a pond uses a submersible assembly, having a dredging cutter and submersible pump, which is submersed in the pond. The submersible assembly is moved along a bottom of the pond by winches. A controller receives signals from a global positioning system as to the position of the submersible assembly in the pond and moves the submersible assembly in a continuous dredging pattern through the coordinated operation of the winches.

Abstract: A wear assembly for securing a wear member to excavating equipment that includes a base having a nose and a wear member having a socket. The nose and socket are each provided with one or more complementary stabilizing surfaces in central portions thereof.

Abstract: A signage apparatus includes a plug-in hitch, a slack adjuster bracket, a water-resistant sign box, and an upright post. The plug-in hitch includes opposed plates and an insert portion configured for receipt within a hitch receiver. The upright post includes a plurality of openings defined therethrough sized and dimensioned for receipt of a securement member, and positioned to correspond to a plurality of openings of the opposed plates when the upright post is received between the opposed plates. The plurality of openings include lower openings configured for coupling of the upright post to the plug-in hitch via a securement member such that the upright post is capable of rotative movement relative to the plug-in hitch about an axis defined by the securement member, such rotative movement being limited by the insert portion of the plug-in hitch.

Abstract: A portable message panel system is provided, comprising at least one message panel, wherein each panel includes a coilable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation. A fabric material covers selected portions of the frame member to form the panel, the fabric material held taut within the frame member when assuming the unfolded orientation of the frame member, so that the fabric material extends in a flat planar configuration when the frame member is in its unfolded orientation. The fabric material includes one or more reinforced holes formed into the fabric material, and includes one or more quick-release buckles adapted to engage other panels to form a multi-panel assembly. The system further includes one or more mounting brackets, wherein the mounting bracket comprises a base having one or more suction devices adapted for adhering to a surface, and a clamping device adapted to grip the panel.

Abstract: A portable sign frame adapted to support an indicia-bearing medium (e.g., a sign) includes a pair of elongate side members aligned in a spaced, planar relationship, and at least three brace members extending between and/or rigidly connecting the side members: a top brace member connects the top portions thereof, a bottom brace member that includes a foot support adapted to receive a user's foot connects the bottom portions thereof, and at least one middle brace member that forms a hand support adapted to receive a user's hand extends between the side members at one or more points between the top and bottom portions. At least one mounting site for an indicia-bearing medium is defined, individually or collectively, by one or more of the top portions of the side members, the top brace member, and the middle brace member.

Abstract: A portable sign frame adapted to support an indicia-bearing medium includes a pair of elongate side members aligned in a spaced, planar relationship, and at least three brace members extending between and/or rigidly connecting the side members: a top brace member connects the top portions thereof, a bottom brace member that includes a foot support adapted to receive a user's foot connects the bottom portions thereof, and at least one middle brace member that forms a hand support adapted to receive a user's hand extends between the side members at one or more points between the top and bottom portions. At least one mounting site for an indicia-bearing medium is defined, individually or collectively, by one or more of the top portions of the side members, the top brace member, and the middle brace member.

Abstract: A method of forming an elastic labeling band. The method includes covering a central portion of a web of tag material with a release agent, advancing the web of tag material longitudinally and disposing a layer of molten elastomer over the advancing web of tag material, including over the release agent on the central portion thereof. The layer of molten elastomer is disposed over the web of tag material so that the elastomer bonds only to those portions of the web not covered with the release agent. The method includes curing the elastomer to define, with the web bonded thereto, an advancing web assembly, and separating a longitudinal segment from the web assembly to define an elastic labeling band.

Abstract: Frame kits and frames are disclosed herein. In an example, a frame kit includes at least two frame legs. Each frame leg has two edges, where one of the two edges of each frame leg is to abut another of the two edges of an adjacent frame leg when a frame is constructed with the frame legs. Each frame leg includes a non-foamed polymer exterior wall; a hollow space defined by the non-foamed polymer exterior wall; and an expanded foam material positioned within the hollow space.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a firearm having a receiver defining a bore with the receiver extending along a longitudinal axis. The receiver defines an ejection port transverse to the longitudinal axis with the bore defining an inner surface. The firearm further includes a bolt carrier disposed in the bore and moveable relative to the receiver along the longitudinal axis between a firing position and a rearward position. The firearm also includes a shield longitudinally affixed to the bolt carrier and movable with the bolt carrier as a unit between the firing and rearward positions along the longitudinal axis with the shield blocking the ejection port when in the firing position and the shield sliding along the inner surface away from the ejection port when moving to the rearward position in conjunction with the bolt carrier.

Abstract: A safety for a firearm includes a blocking member that has a relieved portion adjacent to a relieved portion of a firing pin of the firearm. The blocking member is movable between a safe position wherein the relieved portions are not in registration and a fire position wherein the relieved portions are in registration. The blocking member moves from the safe to the fire position in response to a pull of the firearm's trigger. Movement of the blocking member is rotational in response to a pawl as would also be used to rotate the cylinder of a revolver.

Abstract: A firearm handguard assembly attachable to a receiver of a barrel of a firearm is disclosed. The firearm handguard assembly includes a barrel nut member, a locking sleeve member, a firearm handguard member and a plurality of fasteners. The locking sleeve member is disposed within an axial passage formed by the barrel nut member. A plurality of radial passages of the locking sleeve member are aligned with a plurality of radial passages of the barrel nut member. The firearm handguard member is arranged about the barrel nut member and the locking sleeve member such that the barrel nut member and the locking sleeve member are arranged within an axial passage of the firearm handguard member. The plurality of fasteners join the firearm handguard member to the barrel nut member and the locking sleeve member.

Abstract: A stock bedding system for a firearm is disclosed. In one embodiment, the stock bedding system includes a stock having a pair of bearing surfaces that are configured and arranged to mutually engage a mating pair of bearing surfaces formed on the barrel-receiver assembly. At least one of the four bearing surfaces has a predetermined convex surface profile which causes the barrel-receiver assembly to roll in an angular direction away from one lateral side of the stock towards the opposite lateral side when the barrel-receiver assembly is mourned to the stock. The convex surface profile acts to tighten the engagement between the opposing bearing surfaces of the barrel-receiver assembly and stock providing a secure and vibration resistant mounting. In one embodiment, the convex-shaped bearing surface is defined by a pillar lug mounted in the stock which engages a mating substantially fiat bearing surface formed on the barrel-receiver assembly.

Abstract: Methods and systems for improving the accuracy of hitting a target are described. An apparatus includes a LIDAR unit, a storage device, an aim adjustment controller and an adjustment interface. The LIDAR unit is configured to measure at least one of wind profiles along a path between a shooting device and the target, and a range to the target. The storage device is configured to store ballistic information for at least one of ammunition types, shooting devices, and environmental conditions. The aim adjustment controller is configured to analyze at least one of the wind profile, the range to the target, and the ballistic information to determine a set of aiming parameters and the adjustment interface is configured to provide aiming instructions based on the set of aiming parameters, wherein the aiming instructions substantially improve the accuracy.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a sight assembly apparatus for a weapon to sight one or more targets. The sight assembly apparatus comprises of two tubes. Both tubes may be equipped with lens protector covers and the exterior exposed surface of the tubes may have hard and robust coatings to provide long life and clean viewing over extended periods of time. The first tube may contain an optical receiver and one or more focal planes. The second tube may be a laser range finder. The two tubes may terminate in a box containing the associated electronics, a screen, a computer processor, one or more power sources, a radio transceiver and a stylus. The sight assembly may be mounted on a weapon via mounting hardware. Examples of mounting hardware include, but are not limited to, clamping hardware and rail mounted hardware.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of scope shields, protectors, guards or devices for shielding and/or guarding gun-mounted scopes. Also disclosed are methods for shielding and/or guarding a gun-mounted scope. In use, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, for example, may prevent bumping of the scope by another object and the misalignment that might otherwise occur if the scope was bumped by another object.

Abstract: A fire-control system comprising a housing, a light channel, through which a user may directly observe a target and receive visually displayed information simultaneously, said light channel comprising partially reflective optics, a light source emitting light to the partially reflective optics via an optical path, providing light for a reticle visible for a user, means for receiving a measure of the distance to the target a processor, for determining the adequate position of the reticle, based on the distance to the target, wherein at least one tiltable mirror is arranged in the optical path such that the position of the reticle in controllable by the tilt of the mirror.

Abstract: A fishing lure including an illumination means; a body having walls defining a water tight cavity; a power source and a control circuit within the cavity connected to the illumination means. The control circuit controlling the supply of power to the illumination means such that light is emitted from the illumination means. The fishing lure is controllable via a remote control which can be used to select various operating modes such that the lure can produce any desired color, or pattern of colors, to emulate the body of a bait fish.

Abstract: A cap is provided for a tubular raccoon trap. The cap fits in the open upper end of the set and baited trap to keep mice and other small animals stealing the bait in the trap. A raccoon can easily remove the cap for access to the bait, to thereby trip the trigger and be caught in the trap.

Abstract: The invention relates to an insect trap (10) and more particularly to an insect trap which has been designed to facilitate the destruction of micro-organisms thereby countering odours and mitigating against the spread of germs. The trap (10) comprises a. a housing (12); b. a cover (14); c. one or a plurality of insect attracting lights (16); and d. an insect catching means (18) and further comprises a UVC lamp which emits radiation (or other means) which is capable of destroying air-borne pathogens. The insect attractant lamps (16) heat the air which is convected as a consequence of louvered openings (26) in the cover and an opening (30) in the top (28) of the trap and circulate across the UVC lamp where the micro-organisms are killed.

Abstract: A biological control is disclosed for termites, including subterranean termites such as C. formosanus, comprising a mixture of a chitin synthesis inhibitor such as lufenuron with a pathogen or opportunistic pathogen. The combination greatly enhances the effectiveness above that of the individual components. For example, P. aeruginosa is commonly found in association with termites, but it is not normally harmful to termites. However, in the presence of lufenuron, P. aeruginosa becomes an opportunistic pathogen that kills termites. As another example, B. thuringiensis, which otherwise has shown only limited effectiveness against termites, has greatly enhanced lethality in combination with lufenuron. In another aspect a termite toxicant is administered to termites in a clay-based bait. Clay acts as an attractant for subterranean termites such as C. formosanus, and a clay bait can increase a colony's consumption of a toxicant.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for the chemical-based thermal control of pests, particularly bed bugs. Disclosed herein are devices capable of heat generation for thermal-based pest control within an enclosed body, typically an item of luggage. Disclosed herein are components for minimizing heat loss associated with thermal-based pest control. Disclosed herein are methods of chemical-based heat generation for thermal-based pest control.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting an alcohol into a fuel mixture which consists of alcohol, ether and water and is suitable for operating a combustion engine, in particular an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle, converts the alcohol into the fuel mixture in a reactor at a suitable reaction temperature. The mixing ratio of alcohol fraction, ether fraction and water fraction in the fuel mixture is adjusted by controlling at least one reaction parameter of a reaction taking place in the reactor.

Abstract: Ecologically friendly organically composed fuel products are presented whose composition includes, but is not limited to, ingredients: 58 to 60 percent decomposed straw, 38 percent horse or cow manure, two percent hay mixture from various blends used as feed, and two percent straw dust. The above ingredients are subjected to a number of processing steps with the end product being a hydraulically compressed fuel product, such as a brick, block, briquette, blank, pellet, etc., dried to a less than 10 percent moisture content. Eco-friendly organic fuel products may be created from other ingredients than those described herein could undergo the disclosed process to produce other types of fuel items, both organic and inorganic, with the ingredients comprising wood chips, other kinds of animal manure, and wood chips.

Abstract: Ecologically friendly and organically composed fuel products and fire starters are presented. The composition of products and starters includes, but is not limited to: 58 to 60 percent decomposed straw, 38 percent horse or cow manure, and optionally, two percent hay mixture from various blends used as feed, and two percent straw dust from material pounded on by animals. During a formation process the composition is subjected to a number of steps with the end product being a hydraulically compressed fuel log, brick, ball, block, briquette, blank, pellet, and the like, dried to a less than 10 per cent moisture content. While the process is applicable to formation of organic fuel products and fire starters, other ingredients may be used to produce other types of fuel products, both organic and inorganic, including wood chips, other kinds of animal manure.

Abstract: A method for supplying heat energy and carbon dioxide for vegetables and/or algae production using exhaust gas. The method includes: 1) introducing the exhaust gas to a primary heat exchanger to conduct a first indirect heat exchange between the exhaust gas and air from a vegetable greenhouse and/or an algae culturing house whereby providing hot air for the vegetable greenhouse and/or the algae culturing house; 2) introducing part of the exhaust gas after the first indirect heat exchange to a secondary heat exchanger to conduct a second indirect heat exchange between the exhaust gas and outdoor air; 3) introducing the exhaust gas to a CO2 pressure swing adsorption device, separating and pumping carbon dioxide to a carbon dioxide storage tank for storage; and 4) supplying the carbon dioxide to the vegetable greenhouse and/or a carbon-absorption tank of the algae culturing house.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to a system for growing plants or other living organisms. A container is used that includes sensors for sensing conditions of the plant. Dispensers, such as emitters, provide a way to dispense materials such as water, nutrients, insecticides, herbicides, etc. under human or machine control. A network connection allows monitoring and control of the container from a remote site. Management of plant growth can be local or remote, or a combination of the two. Control expertise can be selected by a user who is local to the container from a website. Control expertise can also be provided by a human expert who is remote from the container. Other features are described.

Abstract: The protection device is constructed of four main components, namely a base, a telescopic pole mounted on the base, a bendable arm secured to the pole and an umbrella assembly secured to the bendable arm. The base is sized and weighted to be placed in a container, such as a flower pot, in which a plant is to be grown.

Abstract: A landscaping device is disclosed that provides users with an easily assembled decorative lawn or landscaping barrier. The landscaping device comprises a plurality of elongated members secured together in various configurations. The elongated members comprise a center portion, a first end portion, and a second end portion, with each end portion extending from the center portion. Furthermore, the first end portion of one elongated member is attachable to the second end portion of a second elongated member and can be secured via a stake. Specifically, the first end portion comprises an overlapping segment, and the second end portion comprises an opposing overlapping segment which mates with the overlapping segment of the first end portion to secure the elongated members together. A stake is then driven into the end portions to secure the elongated members to the surface. Once secure, the elongated members are substantially flush with each other.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed to a support device for a decorative tree, for example a natural Christmas tree. The support device includes an arcuate member and a cylindrical portion extending substantially perpendicular to the arcuate member. The arcuate member includes at least one elongated gripping tooth positioned on a concave surface of the arcuate member opposite the surface of the arcuate member from which the cylindrical portion extends from. The support device is configured and dimensioned for use with conventional tree stands in order to produce a substantial clamping action around the trunk of the decorative tree in order to hold the decorative tree in a substantially upright position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for cultivating sugar cane comprising cutting the stalk of an adult sugar cane plant into pieces, placing the stalk pieces containing at least one node in a humid medium, removing the shoots emerged from the nodes of the stalk or of the stalk pieces, optionally removing the newly emerged shoots, where this step can be repeated one or several times, removing the newly formed shoots when they are 10 to 60 cm long in such a way that they comprise meristematic tissue, planting these shoots in a growth medium, growing seedlings from the shoots at a temperature of at least 15° C., and 10 to 120 days after planting the shoots, planting the seedlings grown from the shoots to the field if the growth medium is not a field, or, in case the growth medium is a field, exposing the seedlings obtained from the shoots to ambient conditions.