Abstract: A method of drying dishes in a dishwasher having a condensation system for extracting liquid from air within a treating chamber of the dishwasher to control the dry cycle of the dishes in the treating chamber.

Abstract: A drying apparatus provided with a total care function with respect to a substance such as bedding, a washing machine having the same, and a control method thereof may include a sterilization course, a deodorization course, a pest elimination course, a dust elimination course, and a refreshing course, and may be capable of performing each total care function in an independent manner. By changing a rotation speed of the drum according to the type and the weight of the bedding, the damage of the substance at each of the total care courses is reduced while obtaining optimal effects. By providing a standard course having all the total care functions, the manipulation efficiency is enhanced for a user who is not familiar with the manipulation of the courses and also for a user who is not in favor of the individual manipulation of the courses.

Abstract: A heated article of footwear that includes an outer shell and a removable inner liner is described. The inner liner includes a heating system with a toe cap heating element. The toe cap heating element is disposed around a perimeter of the forefoot region of the inner liner. The heating system is integrated within the inner liner and is removable with the inner liner from the outer shell. A power source for the heating system is contained within a battery compartment area disposed along a cuff of the inner liner to provide access to the power source.

Abstract: Sole structures for articles of footwear, including athletic footwear, include: (a) a lightweight foam midsole component for supporting the foot; and (b) a plurality of heavier and/or denser cage components covering selected areas of the midsole component. Spaces are provided between the cage components. These spaces may be sized, shaped, and oriented to define and/or correspond to flexion lines of the foot and/or to produce a more natural flex motion to the sole. The soles additionally may include one or more outsole components, e.g., on bottom surface(s) of the cage component(s) and/or the foam midsole. These sole structures may be engaged with an upper to form a shoe. The uppers may include one or more lace receiving openings supported by elongated wire or textile components. Methods of making footwear including such uppers and/or sole structures also are described.

Abstract: A sole in accordance with the present invention may include a sole for attachment to an outside of a shoe. Moreover, a sole of the present invention may include a sole for insertion within an inner cavity formed by an upper of a shoe. In exemplary aspects the sole includes a base and a plurality of protrusions projecting from the base and integrally constructed with the base. Protrusions may include a side extending at an angle from the base. In addition, protrusions may include a side extending near perpendicular from the base. A plurality of protrusions may be arranged at ball portions of the sole. In addition, a plurality of protrusions may be arranged at a heel portion of the sole.

Abstract: An insole structure is disclosed. The insole is comprised of a cushioned flexible closed cell plastic film (bubbled rubber material) layered on top of and adhesively bonded to a rubber semi-rigid base formed with wings along the side for extra support and stability along the sides of the foot and in the arch area. The combination distributes the pressure created by the foot evenly between the bubbles, so each component absorbs a portion of the pressure, and the combination remains soft and comfortable under the wearer's foot even when the footwear is worn for extended periods of time. This new type of cushion insole provides substantial enhanced comfort, side to side stability, and massages the foot as the wearer moves or walks.

Abstract: Footwear fabrication methods are disclosed, having reduced material consumption and/or waste requirements, compared to conventional methods, as well as the footwear articles made by such methods. The fabrication methods and articles are characterized by the selective use of a bonding agent, in the form of a powder or tackified (e.g., preheated) powder, to bond various material panels, such substrate, mesh, and/or skin panels in the formation of a composite panel (e.g., a bonded mesh composite panel), which may in turn be used to provide a footwear upper and ultimately an article of footwear. The bonding agent is particularly applicable to fabrication processes utilizing a combination of heat and pressure for bonding or fusing material panels, each having a suitable composition, size, shape, and thickness, into the particular configuration of the footwear upper.

Abstract: Footwear as inserts to shoes or integral parts to shoes is made of rigid form with a sole portion to be placed in compression and an upper portion to flex in tension in response to foot motion and constructed to enable triangulation forces for sustaining a user's foot in motion.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed having at least one elongated heel support member. The elongated heel support member may be angled and extend from a heel region to a midfoot region, in order to disperse forces applied by a wearer's heel during movement. The heel system may include two heel support members, each associated with a side of the article of footwear. The article of footwear may also include a series of ribs in the midfoot region, which may abut a front edge of the heel support members. Finally, the article of footwear may include asymmetric side flaps extending downward from an upper plate so as to overlap a midsole.

Abstract: The invention is a shoe that has a variable length and flexible shape realized because of a flexible sectional sole and a flexible upper corresponding to the forefoot section of the user's foot. These flexible portions of the shoe permit bending of the forefoot relative to the rest of the shoe to change the length and shape of the forefoot and the length of the upper vamp of the shoe in order to allow a player to achieve maximum results in sports where feet and shoes are the player's tools, where the shoe aids in using the maximum number of sweet spots of the shoe for control, distance, and accuracy. The invention is an improvement over the prior art by allowing a user to better approximate the natural flexibility of bare feet as opposed to rigid shoes that limit a player's ability to use the natural flexibility of their feet.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for manufacturing inflatable bladders for use in articles of manufacture. The method includes the steps of providing a first polymer film, applying a curable release coating to the polymer film in a pattern that corresponds to the configuration of the inflatable bladder, curing the release coating to the first polymer film, providing a second polymer film with the first polymer film to form a layered element such that the release coating is disposed between the polymer films, positioning the layered element between two plies of material, applying heat and pressure to adhere the polymer films together except in the area where the release coating has been applied to form an inflatable compartment surrounded by a sealed perimeter, and removing the plies of material from the adhered first and second polymer films.

Abstract: A structure of shoe includes a shoe body and a reinforcement structure. The reinforcement structure is coupled to the shoe body to support the shoe body. The shoe body has an opening that receives a foot of a wearer therein. The shoe body is integrally formed and includes a woven structure. No sewing is needed for the shoe structure.

Abstract: A protective shoe for birds accommodate toes and/or pads of a bird's foot and includes a shoe body having an upper surface and a sole, and defining bird toe covers corresponding in number to the number of front toes of the bird's foot. An ankle cuff is connected to the shoe body and has an ankle closure system formed to secure about an ankle of the bird's foot. A closure tab is connected to the shoe body and has a closure system formed to tighten the shoe body to the bird's foot.

Abstract: A boot includes an upper formed of articulating panels that permit portions of the boot to move in substantial independence from one another in response to loads experienced by the boot. The boot generally comprises a sports boot that is positioned around a wearer's foot for coupling to an external appliance, such as a snowboard, wakeboard, skating appliance (such as a blade or wheels), or any other appliance.

Abstract: An indicator for a heated article of footwear that includes an outer shell and a removable inner liner is described. The inner liner includes a heating system with an indicator disposed on a forefoot region of the inner liner. The heating system is integrated within the inner liner and is removable with the inner liner from the outer shell. A viewing window is disposed on the outer shell at a location corresponding to the indicator located on the inner liner. With this arrangement, the status condition of the heating system on the inner liner may be communicated to a wearer of the article through the viewing window from within the interior of the article.

Abstract: A foot orthotic comprising: a toe platform, the toe platform comprising a toe, sulcus, and ball; a longitudinal arch pad in communication with the toe platform; a heel cup in communication with the longitudinal arch pad, the heel cup comprising a heel; where the orthotic is made from a flexible material, and where in order to form an angle ? that is greater than 0° between the toe platform and the remainder of the orthotic, a pre-load pressure P is required.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an outsole for a shoe, the outsole including a sole plate, extending from a heel part, via a midfoot part, into a forefoot part of the outsole, at least one first reinforcing rib integrated into the sole plate, and a reinforcing plate disposed above or below the at least one first reinforcing rib. The present invention also relates to a shoe, including a shoe upper including a closure region and a sole region, and at least one reinforcing element attached to the inside of the shoe upper, arranged in a midfoot part of the shoe upper, and including a plurality of flexible bands extending between the closure region and the sole region.

Abstract: An outsole (2) for footwear (1) comprises at least one protrusion (4) having a portion (8) configured for supporting the footwear against a ground surface (S). A traction-enhancing element (6) is connected to the protrusion (4) and selectively insertable between said portion (8) and the ground surface (S). The traction-enhancing element is attached to at least a portion of the protrusion and configured for bending between a first position and a second position; wherein the traction-enhancing element in the second position is between said portion and the ground surface. The movement of the traction-enhancing element between the first position and the second position is effected by a movement of the footwear predominantly along the ground surface.

Abstract: A tractor mounted three-point-hitch implement for the excavation of square shaped foundation footings with a large rotational cutting wheel powered by the tractor power-take-off. The cutting wheel, made in sections, is surfaced with claws and rotates opposite the direction of movement, placing spoils on the banks. Cutting wheel is also removable for installing different size and shapes of cutting wheels. Included is a round-ditcher cutting wheel of spherical shape, and a shallow-ditcher cutting wheel that forms a shallow, easily mowed ditch. The depth of cut is adjustable by the hydrolic lift on tractor.

Abstract: Provided is a discharge pipe for a snow blower, which is mounted on the snow blower, and is capable of easily removing snow covered on an inner wall of a conveyance duct in the process of discharging snow introduced from the snow blower to the outside.

Abstract: An excavating bucket includes a cutting edge having inclined parts at its left and right ends, a plurality of adapters fixed to the distal end side of the cutting edge, corner adapters that are fixed to the inclined parts provided to the left and right ends on the cutting edge on the distal end side, whose distal end positions are disposed on the same line as the distal end positions of the plurality of center adapters, and that have recesses into which side plates are inserted, and joint portions where the corner adapters are joined to only the cutting edge by continuous weld.

Abstract: A spring assembly for a latch mechanism includes a spring, a first support, and a second support. The spring includes a first end, a second end, and a plurality of coils extending therebetween. The coils define an internal helical surface. The first support is configured to be coupled to a first pivoting member. The first support includes a grooved surface for threadingly engaging at least a portion of the internal helical surface of the spring proximate the first end. The second support is configured to be coupled to a second pivoting member. The second support includes a grooved surface for threadingly engaging at least a portion of the internal helical surface of the spring proximate the second end.

Abstract: A device for storing and displaying documents, photographs, and memorabilia objects together. Covers are each rotatably connected to a spine and feature sides that rest upon or engage with each other to close. The device has a plurality of document pockets and a plurality of bound archival sheets. Within the device is a plurality of object compartments, each compartment having a transparent cover that selectively opens for placing and removing objects and selectively closes for safely displaying the objects. The device is included in a kit that further comprises at least one complementary storage box. The device is included a system that further comprises an electronic catalogue for the photographs and objects stored therein.

Abstract: An automatic page-turning scan device for automatically turning and scanning pages of a book includes an automatic page-turning device and a scan module. The automatic page-turning device includes a base, a book support, a page-pressing module, a pick-up and page-turning module, and a system controller connected with the book support, the page-pressing module and the pick-up and page-turning module. The book support slidably mounted to the base includes two supporting panels for supporting the book. The page-pressing module is mounted to the supporting panel includes a driving module, and a pressing plate driven by the driving module. The pick-up and page-turning module mounted to the base includes a pick-up holder, a pick-up arm and a path guiding mechanism. The scan module is mounted to the automatic page-turning device, and the system controller controls the scan module to scan the pages of the book.

Abstract: An illuminated vehicular sign is provided including a vehicle and luminescent planar sheet. The luminescent planar sheet is constructed to provide illuminated alpha-numeric characters which are mounted to the horizontal planar surfaces of a vehicle. The alpha-numeric characters are mounted substantially horizontally so as to be seen from the air such as by helicopters or planes. The illuminated vehicle sign includes a switching system electrically connected to the luminescent planar panels for selectively controlling the transfer of power from said power source to the luminescent planar panels. The switching system including one or more adjustable variable resistors electrically connected to the luminescent planar panels for allowing one to selectively adjust the wattage provided to them.

Abstract: A system for providing a shipping label and a packing list on a container is provided which enables rapid and automated sequential application of a packing list and a shipping label to the container. The shipping label is configured complemental to the packing list whereby the packing list may first be adhered directly to the container and then the shipping label may be placed thereover. The shipping label may be applied over the packing list while the container moves continuously down a conveyor. The invention further includes an apparatus for sequentially applying the packing list and then the shipping label, and a method for applying the packing list and shipping label in registry.

Abstract: An extended content label with a narrow overlaminate having a substrate, a leaflet and an overlaminate strip. The leaflet is adhered to a section of the upper surface of the substrate and has several overlying panels, longitudinally-extended accordion-type folds alternating along a top and bottom of each panel, and a perpendicular fold oriented normal to the longitudinal direction. The leaflet is a single sheet that is folded into a leaflet without the use of glue. The overlaminate strip is laminated across the entire longitudinal direction of the leaflet and laminated to another section of the upper surface of said substrate to form an extended content label. The height of the overlaminate strip is narrower than the leaflet so that all of the accordion-type folds extend beyond the overlaminate strip.

Abstract: A framing system is disclosed to receive an item to be displayed. The system may include a fixing device, a rear support having a substantially planar surface, and one or more fixing elements. The rear support may include an aperture that is configured to receive a fixing device at least partially therethrough. The fixing element may be configured for engagement with a respective fixing device, wherein an item to be displayed is held in place relative to the rear support under magnetic force between a fixing device and fixing element. A method for the non-destructive mounting of an item to be displayed using such a framing system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A recoil force mitigating device for cooperating with a firearm to mitigate recoil forces imparting undesirable forces to mounted firearm accessories. The recoil force mitigating device includes a recoil rail assembly having a first rail for mounting to the firearm and a slideable second rail for mounting accessories. A recoil force mitigating means is positioned between the first and second rails to mitigate transfer of forces, such as recoil forces, from the first rail to the second rail.

Abstract: Systems, mechanisms and methods are disclosed herein for absorbing recoil within a firearm. A first recoil absorption mechanism and second recoil absorption mechanism may be moved relative to each other in response to one or more recoil forces. At a certain point, the second recoil absorption mechanism moves toward and collides with the first recoil absorption mechanism. These forces, which are in part translated to the springs, reduce the amount of recoil experienced by the user of the firearm.

Abstract: A bolt assembly for a firearm such as an auto-loading or pump action shotgun includes a bolt body, bolt carrier and a bolt head. The bolt head is received within the bolt body and is rotatable within the bolt body to lock the bolt assembly into battery prior to firing the weapon, but does not extend from the bolt body during such rotation. The bolt carrier translates axially relative to the bolt body so as to cause rotation of the bolt head. The extractor for the firearm can be pivotally attached to the bolt body, while the ejector further can be integrated into the bolt assembly for engaging and ejecting a shell or cartridge after firing.

Abstract: A powered rail system is provided for a weapon that includes a barrel. The powered rail system includes a base having a longitudinal opening. The base is configured to be mounted to the weapon such that the barrel is received within the longitudinal opening and the base extends around at least a segment of a length of the barrel. A rail extends from the base. An electrical component is mounted to the rail. An electrical power source is held by the base. The electrical power source is electrically connected to the electrical component for supplying the electrical component with electrical power.

Abstract: A rimless cartridge cylinder assembly is used for adapting revolvers which typically require the use of rimmed cartridges to accept rimless cartridges. The assembly includes an extractor mechanism having an extractor rod extending axially through a center passage provided in a cylinder having chambers adapted to receive cartridges. The extractor mechanism has an axially extendable extractor head assembly disposed at a cartridge loading end of the cylinder. The head assembly includes a plurality of spring biased projections housed therein which extend radially into engagement with corresponding grooves in rimless cartridges as they are loaded into each chamber. After discharge, rearward displacement of the head assembly allows the engaged projections to remove the spent cartridges from each chamber. Utilizing the rimless cartridge cylinder assembly, rimless cartridges typically used only with automatic hand guns can be loaded and fired in a revolver with long term reliably.

Abstract: Suppressor sleeves have longitudinal interior splines and venting valleys and exterior ribs arranged at angles relative to the interior splines. One or more sleeves and caps are combined to provide suppressor sleeve assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to target acquisition and related devices, and more particularly to telescopic gunsights and associated equipment used to achieve shooting accuracy at, for example, close ranges, medium ranges and extreme ranges

Abstract: The present invention relates to target acquisition and related devices, and more particularly to telescopic gunsights and associated equipment used to achieve shooting accuracy at, for example, close ranges, medium ranges and extreme ranges at stationary and moving targets.

Abstract: A weedless rubber or soft plastic fishing spoon lure.

Abstract: An animal trap may include a source of compressed gas; a trigger mechanism configured to be actuated by an animal, and a kill mechanism powered by compressed gas. The trap may include two or more trigger valves connected in series. At least one trigger valve may include an opening, a valve seat surrounding the opening, a valve member having a sealing surface, and an O-ring arranged to seal between the sealing surface and the valve seat. One or more flow paths may allow gas to flow along at least part of an internal periphery of the O-ring. The trigger may include a trigger rod extending in a rest position from a mount at or near a first end thereof. The trigger rod may be mounted for pivoting movement about the mount, and may have two rotational degrees of freedom. Pivoting movement of the trigger rod in any direction away from the rest position may result in actuation of the trigger.

Abstract: A mosquito trap includes a case being transparent, a light cover mounted on a top end of the case, an inducing light located in the light cover, a fan capable of producing airflow toward the inside of the case mounted in the bottom of the case, and a collecting box located beneath the case, wherein the fan has multiple fan blades having black portions and white portions mounted therein, thereby producing twinkling as the fan starts to rotate, and thus the mosquitoes can be induced to get close to the mosquito trap of the present invention and improve the effect of catching mosquitoes.

Abstract: A rodent bait station to safely deploy poison bait to control a rodent population comprising an enclosure including a bait cavity to house a bait holder to secure the poison bait within the bait cavity having a first rodent access opening and a second rodent access opening each including a transparent barrier to partially block or close the openings for rodents to enter and exit the bait cavity and a first tunnel and a second tunnel to provide passage to and from the surrounding environs through the first rodent access opening and the second rodent access respectively into and out of the bait cavity.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the control and management of wildlife populations (including domesticated animals) and pests. Specifically provided are pest control systems incorporating the use of repellent or attractant formulations.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for continuous production of liquid fuels from biomass are provided. Some embodiments utilize a thermochemical process to produce a bio-oil in parallel with a thermochemical process to produce a hydrogen-rich synthesis gas. Both product streams may be fed into a third reaction chamber that may enrich the bio-oil with the hydrogen gas, for example, in a continuous production process. One product stream may include a liquid fuel such as diesel. Some embodiments may also produce other product streams including, but not limited to, electrical power generation and/or biochar.

Abstract: A method for producing fatty acid alkyl esters from biolipids through transesterification and/or esterification reactions uses a flow-through cavitation device for generating cavitation bubbles in a fluidic reaction medium. The fluidic medium is passed through sequential compartments in the cavitation device having varying diameters and inner surface features to create localized reductions in fluid pressure thus vaporizing volatile alcohols and creating an increased surface area and optimized conditions for the reaction to occur at the gas-liquid interface around the bubbles.

Abstract: A fuel composition comprising: a diesel base fuel; from 1 to 10% v/v of a fatty acid alkyl ester; and more than 10% v/v of an ether component, the ether component comprising one or more ether compounds having in the range of from 8 to 12 carbon atoms and selected from compounds of formula I R1—O—R2??(I) wherein R1 and R2 are independently primary or secondary alkyl.

Abstract: A process for producing mixed esters of fatty acids as biofuel or additive to a petroleum fuel for use in a compression ignition (CI) engine. The process preferably provides a partial transesterification of a mixture of fatty acid methyl esters with at least one alkyl alcohol containing 2 to 8 carbon atoms in the presence of a heterogeneous solid acid catalyst to produce a mixture of the fatty acid methyl esters and alkyl alcohol esters of the fatty acids.

Abstract: An easy access shed structure that can be used as greenhouse. The shed structure having a frame assembly, two end doors, and two side doors. All doors of the shed are capable of being in an open position at the same time to allow full access to the contents in the interior of the shed. The invention also includes modular units that can be used separately or in combination as shed storage structures.

Abstract: A greening roll includes water-temperature-light controlling part, root growing part, water/root regulating part and seed-stacking part which is located in the water-temperature-light controlling part. The water-temperature-light controlling part is located on the top surface of the greening roll, the water/root regulating part is located on the lower surface of the greening roll, the root growing part is located in the cavity composed by the water-temperature-light controlling part and the water/root regulating part, and the seed-stacking part is located in the cavity of the water-temperature-light controlling part. The water-temperature-light controlling part further includes top-located irradiation reflecting part, temperature-water regulating part, light-preventing part and seed-stacking cavity.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved, quantitative, standardized method of hydrating succulent plants by a plant owner. The method includes calculating the amount of water and watering frequency required, depending on environmental conditions, such as substrate used to grow a plant, relative humidity and temperature, and using a demarcated container for watering the plant, all of which maintains and prolongs the health, vitality, beauty and longevity of the succulent plant.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and associated methods for more efficiently managing factors critical to the efficient production of beneficial plant life.

Abstract: An improved ornamental planter for gardening and the like is provided.