Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes a knitted component and, in some configurations, a skin layer secured to the knitted component. The knitted component may have a plurality of protruding areas that extend outward and away from a void within the upper for receiving a foot of a wearer. The protruding areas may include one or both of (a) a first tubular structure and an inlaid strand extending through the first tubular structure and (b) a second tubular structure and yarn sections extending across the second tubular structure.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes a knitted component and, in some configurations, a skin layer secured to the knitted component. The knitted component may have a plurality of protruding areas that extend outward and away from a void within the upper for receiving a foot of a wearer. The protruding areas may include one or both of (a) a first tubular structure and an inlaid strand extending through the first tubular structure and (b) a second tubular structure and yarn sections extending across the second tubular structure.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes a knitted component and, in some configurations, a skin layer secured to the exterior surface of the knitted component. The knitted component may an asymmetric interior layer secured to the interior surface of the knitted component. The asymmetric interior layer has varying medial and lateral portions that provide for different amounts of feel and cushioning along the varying sides of the upper. The asymmetric interior layer includes a lining layer and a connecting layer that join to form the asymmetric interior layer. Other interior layer features are provided, including collar portions and a heel pad that extends along the heel region of the knitted component from a sockliner to an opening on an ankle cuff of the knitted component.

Abstract: A surface-modified plastic sheet includes: a polymer substrate having a plasma treated surface; and a transparent surface-modifying polymer film coated on the plasma treated surface. The surface-modifying polymer film is made from a modified CTBN composition or a clear lacquer composition. The clear lacquer composition contains linear polyester polyol. The modified CTBN composition contains a modified CTBN that is represented by formula (I) in which T is a butadiene-acrylonitrile copolymer and R1 is represented by formula (II) in which R2 is a divalent hydrocarbyl group that contains at least one benzene ring.

Abstract: An apparatus for use as at least part of a sole of a shoe or as at least part of an insole of the shoe, the apparatus comprises a fixed section that provides a positioning of a big toe area at a lower position than a heel area and/or at a lower position than an outer edge area, and an adjustable section associated with the fixed section, wherein the adjustable section adjusts at least one of the lower positioning of the big toe area with respect to the heel area and the lower positioning of the big toe area with respect to the outer edge area.

Abstract: The shoe (10) includes a sole (11), in particular having an upper part (12) on which a user's foot is intended to rest. The sole (11) includes a rear support element (14) and a rear end (15) of the upper part (12), and a front support element (16) of a front end (17) of the upper part (12). The front (16) and rear (14) support elements delimit an open space (20) with the upper part (12), extending substantially over the entire length of the upper part (12).

Abstract: Footwear includes a sole, an upper secured to the sole for covering a foot of the wearer, and an external heel counter located at a rear of the upper and configured to be located behind a heel of the foot and to not extend along lateral sides of the heel. Portions of the upper adjacent the heel counter comprise leather and the heel counter comprises molded rubber. Lateral sides of the heel counter are arcuate and concave and an external surface of the heel counter is provided with raised ridges. Some of the leather portions of the upper adjacent the rubber heel counter are stitched to and over the rubber heel counter and some of the leather portions of the upper adjacent the rubber heel counter are stitched to and under the rubber heel counter.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a footwear able to be wirelessly charged, the footwear including: an insole; an outer cover installed on the insole and having a wear space formed therein; a heel attached to a lower surface of the insole; an ion generator installed in the wear space to create an ionization effect; a battery supplying a power to the ion generator; a secondary coil receiving a wireless power signal from an external wireless charging device; a rectifying module configured to rectify an induced electromotive force generated from the secondary coil; and a controller configured to charge the battery by receiving a power from the rectifying module, and to control an operation of the ion generator, and a wireless charging device used for the same.

Abstract: An excavation system employing a high-pressure pulsed air jet in combination with a low-pressure high velocity blower for excavating improvised explosive devices or other buried objects. The excavation system may also be employed to operate a pneumatic tool such as a cut-off tool or a chisel. The high velocity blower may incorporate a bifurcated fan duct having two air outlets. The system may include a pressure control module for regulating the from a high-pressure air source to an evacuation valve. The evacuation valve employs first and second valves where the second valve controls the operation of the first valve.

Abstract: An excavation system employing a high-pressure pulsed air jet in combination with a low-pressure high velocity blower for excavating improvised explosive devices or other buried objects. The excavation system may also be employed to operate a pneumatic tool such as a cut-off tool or a chisel. The high velocity blower may incorporate a bifurcated fan duct having two air outlets. The system may include a pressure control module for regulating the from a high-pressure air source to an evacuation valve. The evacuation valve employs first and second valves where the second valve controls the operation of the first valve.

Abstract: A snow plow-blower operates as a snow plow, snow blower, or as a snow plow-blower combination. The device includes a plow head blade optionally having retractable/pivotal scoop wings and a cavity with an aperture with blower doors and a blower unit. The snow blower unit includes an auger and impeller to move snow into the unit and force it out of a discharge chute. Blower doors are provided over the snow blower unit cavity to prevent snow from entering into the cavity when the blower is off. Optionally, the blower doors move along a track and rest flush against the plow head to open and close off access to the cavity. Alternatively, the blower doors are hingedly mounted to pivot to open and closed positions. The blower doors may be constructed to operate as blower blades to direct snow into the blower unit; alternatively, separate blower blades are provided to optimize snow removal and mitigate jamming/clogging.

Abstract: A shaking inflatable figure has a body, an inflating unit and a vibrating unit. The body has an inflatable air chamber. The inflating unit and the vibrating unit are mounted inside the body. The inflating unit pumps air into the air chamber. The vibrating unit has a driving motor. A weight is connected to a spindle of the driving motor at an eccentric direction to the spindle of the driving motor. The vibrating unit is mounted on a partition diaphragm inside the body. Vibrations arising from the shift of center of gravity of the eccentric weight are transmitted to the body through the partition diaphragm so that the body is also vibrated to increase animated visual effect and entertaining pleasure to viewers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are electric fireplaces comprising (a) a shade comprising a plurality of openings; (b) a reflector comprising a shaft and a plurality of flame-shaped reflecting elements; (c) a simulated fuel bed; (d) a light source; and (e) a flame display screen, wherein the flame display screen is located between the reflector and simulated fuel bed, and wherein the shade is located between the light source and the reflector so that light from the light source passes through the plurality of openings of the shade.

Abstract: A graphic display device illuminates interchangeable graphic panels and is mountable to a translucent mounting surface. The graphic display device includes a housing assembly, a light source assembly, a light guide assembly, and device-to-surface mounts. The housing assembly includes a housing back, a housing front, and peripheral housing edging. Together, the housing back and housing edging define a panel-receiving volume. The light source assembly includes a power source, a light source, and circuitry. A light guide of the light guide assembly is positionable within the panel-receiving volume for guiding light from the light source in an anterior direction. The device-to-surface mounts fasten the graphic display device to a translucent mounting surface, and are cooperably associated with the peripheral housing edging for supporting the housing assembly such that the light from the light source is guided in an anterior direction through the translucent mounting surface.

Abstract: An interchangeable bumper display is provided. The interchangeable bumper display may include a transparent front sheet and a magnetic rear sheet connected together forming a pocket and an opening to the pocket. A sheet having a design or message may be secured within the pocket. A user may then place the interchangeable bumper display on the rear of their vehicle. If the user would like to change the design or message, the user may remove the sheet and replace the sheet with a new sheet with a new design or message.

Abstract: A box magazine (10) has a body portion 11 formed from a first section (12) including a side (14) and spaced-apart, upstanding edges (16) and (18) and a second section (20) that has a side (22) and spaced-apart, upstanding rims (24) and (26). A “Z” shaped keys (28) are formed in each of the spaced-apart, upstanding edges (16) and (18) and matching “Z: shaped keyways (30) are formed in each of the spaced-apart, upstanding rims (24) and (26). The keys (28) and keyways (30) engage one another via a sliding action to form the body portion (11). A follower (32) is positioned between the first section (12) and the second section (20), a follower spring (34) is positioned between the first section (12) and the second section (20) and has a first end (36) in contact with the follower (32) and a second end (38) in contact with a floor plate (40) that seals a bottom (42) of the body portion (11) to form the box magazine (10).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an ergonomic handguard that supports rail mounted weapon accessories in a variety of different orientations. The handguard includes sides and bottom surfaces that are ergonomic. The stem includes modular sections of picatinny rail that can be attached to various locations on the handguard as needed to provide a mounting structure for rail based weapon accessories.

Abstract: A muzzle attachment for a shotgun is disclosed including a first portion that has a first end, a second end, a central axis extending from the first end to the second end, and a through bore extending from the first end to the second end, concentric about the axis. The muzzle attachment also includes a second portion having a pair of opposing extensions defining a gap therebetween. Each extension has a base adjacent the second end of the first portion and a distal end extending away from the base. Additionally, the gap has a narrow end adjacent the base, a wide end adjacent to the distal end, and a pair of opposing lateral sides extending along a projection of the axis. Each of the sides includes a webbing disposed at the narrow end; wherein each webbing has an inner surface, an outer surface, and a radial thickness which tapers from the narrow end to the wide end.

Abstract: A communication connector system is provided for a weapon. The system includes an upper connector configured to be mounted directly to an exterior side surface of an upper receiver of the weapon. The upper connector is configured to be communicatively connected to electronics associated with the upper receiver. The upper connector has a mating interface. The system includes a lower connector configured to be communicatively connected to electronics in a base of the weapon. The lower connector is configured to be mounted directly to an exterior side surface of a lower receiver of the weapon. The lower connector has a mating interface that is mated with the mating interface of the upper connector when the upper receiver is in a closed position. The mating interfaces are physically separable from one another such that the upper receiver is configured to be moved to an open position from the closed position.

Abstract: A shooting rest includes first and second poles each having a length, and a gun rest assembly for holding the first and second poles in selected angular relationships and at selected locations along the lengths thereof. The gun rest assembly includes a swivel connecting a first rest component mounted to the first pole for reciprocal movement along the length thereof, and a second rest component mounted to the second pole for reciprocal movement along the length thereof. A first clamp assembly is carried by the first rest component and a second clamp assembly is carried by the second rest component. The first and second clamp assemblies are configured for independently locking and releasing the respective first and second rest components relative to the respective first and second poles.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a target marker for a firearm may comprise a module having a first portion, and a second portion electrically connected and coupled to the first portion. A light source may be disposed within and electrically connected to the second portion. An optical component may be coupled to the first portion at a first fixed distance from the light source. A circuit board may be electrically connected to the light source via at least one lead, wherein the lead may permit relative movement between the circuit board and the light source and may maintain a second fixed distance between the circuit board and the light source.

Abstract: Described herein are technologies related to a weapon-mounted scope to facilitate an aiming of a projectile (e.g., bullet, arrow, etc.) towards an intended target.

Abstract: A reflective decoy device for hunting wild turkey employs a glass mirror and strutted gobbler feathers. The turkey decoy device is attached to a hunting weapon, such as a shotgun or compound bow, with its mirror element substantially vertical to the line of fire. A partially transparent, partially reflective one-way mirror, half-silvered sight is incorporated in the mirror decoy for aiming the mirror perpendicular to the line of sight. This device create an illusion of a 3D decoy which may be used as a big game decoy for various animals such as antelope, mule deer, white tail, and elk.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved fishing rod components, more particularly an improved eyelet or line guide for a fishing rod or pole and a method of manufacturing the same. The invention resides in a fishing rod or pole that comprises a plurality of longitudinally disposed attachment means secured and spaced apart along a substantially identical axis of the rod or pole; and a line guide or eyelet that is pivotally engaged with each of the plurality of longitudinally disposed attachment means for guiding a fishing line there-through, wherein the pivoting of the line guide or eyelet facilitates storage, transport and use of the rod or pole without damaging the line guide or eyelet.

Abstract: Tablet (1) for delivering volatile substances comprising an active ingredient permeated in it, and which is characterised in that it comprises a handle (2) for Its placement and removal from an evaporation device (6). Preferably, said handle comprises at least one protrusion (3) that can be housed in a complementary cavity (4) of the evaporation device (6). It permits the tablet, after it has been spent, to be easily removed without using any other element such as, for example, another tablet or a tool.

Abstract: The present invention discloses devices and methods for a durable insect bait station. Such devices including a membrane for providing access to the bait station, the membrane adapted to be permeable to volatile components, the membrane configured to allow easy insect-probe penetration, and to be resistant to degradation caused by outdoor environmental conditions and/or harsh indoor environmental conditions. Preferably, the membrane has at least one inclusion. Preferably, the membrane has at least one perforation. Preferably, the device further includes a bait core for providing bait to the bait station, the bait core including a sugar-source bait, at least one oral and/or contact insect toxin, and a solvent, wherein the bait core is configured to be substantially in direct contact with the membrane. Most preferably, the bait core further includes an odorant. Most preferably, the bait core further includes a fibrous material as a support for the membrane.

Abstract: The reduction of viscosity of petroleum products and hydrocarbon emulsions and the like is effected by applying electrodynamic shocks unto a foaming streamflow of the high viscosity emulsion to create a densely whirled streamflow by agitation with a high radial gradient of pressure. Chemical bonding breakup and destruction of long structured molecules of paraffin occur in the emulsion to result in the formations of free radicals and carbamides, and separation of a processed mixture into light and heavy fractions. The process alters the physiochemical properties of the emulsion to cause decrease of density, and the reduction of viscosity.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for producing, storing and using alcohol fuels. In one aspect of the disclosed technology, a method to provide a fuel for an engine includes mixing an alcohol with water to produce a wet alcohol, adding a fuel constituent in the wet alcohol to form a liquid fuel, the fuel constituent being soluble in the wet alcohol, and converting, in a container having an interior formed of an armored material, the liquid fuel into a gaseous fuel substance using at least one of heat energy or electrical energy to pressurize the liquid fuel, the gaseous fuel substance exhibiting a higher pressure and lower density than that of the liquid fuel.

Abstract: A bio-oil production process involving torrefaction pretreatment, catalytic esterification, pyrolysis, and secondary catalytic processing significantly reduces yields of reactor char, catalyst coke, and catalyst tar relative to the best-case conditions using non-torrefied feedstock. The reduction in coke as a result of torrefaction was 28.5% relative to the respective control for slow pyrolysis bio-oil upgrading. In fast pyrolysis bio-oil processing, the greatest reduction in coke was 34.9%. Torrefaction at 275° C. reduced levels of acid products including acetic acid and formic acid in the bio-oil, which reduced catalyst coking and increased catalyst effectiveness and aromatic hydrocarbon yields in the upgraded oils. The process of bio-oil generation further comprises a catalytic esterification of acids and aldehydes to generate such as ethyl levulinate from lignified biomass feedstock.

Abstract: Methods and systems for blending multiple batches of mixed hydrocarbons into fuel streams downstream of the refinery are provided that do not compromise the octane value of the fuel and do not cause the volatility of the fuel to exceed volatilities imposed by government regulation.

Abstract: A system and method for converting feedstock material into crude oil, lighter fuels such as diesel fuel, and uncondensed vapors such as natural gas. The material to be converted is properly sized and heated prior to be provided to a reactor. The heated feedstock is metered into the reactor where it is vaporized at a uniform temperature in an oxygen free environment. The reactor breaks down the carbon chains of the feedstock into strands of molecules containing less than 24 atoms per molecule. Any vaporized gas exits the reactor and enters a two-stage fractional distillation column which recovers the converted fuel.

Abstract: An improvement to a roadside sprayer fixates spray nozzles on a registration plate. The registration plate may include integral tabs depending on the application. Inclination of the tabs is adjustable to place streams and droplets in a desired swath coverage. With the nozzles rigidly mounted onto the plate, the entire plate is nutated. The use of the registration plate in a spray unit creates a uniform nutation among the nozzles, thereby reducing variability in droplet placement, and providing a more predictable spray from the nozzles. In other embodiments, the spray unit is utilized in a spray system adaptable to service vehicles, and may be utilized in conjunction with a vegetation engagement device, such as a cutter to engage multiple zones of a roadway right-of-way. Additionally, an improved spray unit includes an electromagnetic field and an attractor to generate plate motion.

Abstract: A shading device for potted plants has a plurality of stakes planted in the soil of a flower pot. The stakes can be telescoping in nature so as to be adjustable lengthwise. A piece of shading material preferably made of canvas is stretched across the stakes by way of grommets.

Abstract: A container cover device including a pliable sheet comprising a perimeter configured to be secured to an upper portion of a container so as to prevent spillage of contents of the container if the container were tilted, said pliable sheet having a first side and a second side, an opening provided in the pliable sheet extending from the first side to the second side of the pliable sheet, and a slit extending from the opening to the perimeter, thereby defining a first end and a second end of the container cover device, wherein the first end and the second end are configured to be removably engageable with one another, wherein the container cover device inhibits and/or prevents vegetative growth around an object configured to extend through the opening in the container cover device. A system and method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A seed mat utilizing coir fiber (base or bottom) with a second layer of coir pith particles adhesive, and seeds and possible nutrients (top), the coir pith has a compression of 5:1, the coir fiber layer and adhesive holds the seed and coir pith mixture in place for significant reduction of run off and also adds moisture retention allowing for faster and more successful germination and turf establishment.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the application of a chemical composition rinse agent to equipment or vehicles and apparatuses generally used in non-agricultural areas in an effort to prevent the spread of undesired seeds of invasive species. The rinse agent comprises a composition known to inhibit growth of the mature variant of the invasive species. The application would be directly to equipment or vehicles or other mobile apparatuses.

Abstract: A mineral wool batt for use as a plant growth medium, particularly in applications for growing vegetation (including plants) in which water retention and/or the avoidance of water run-off is of interest. The mineral wool batt has an absorbent layer which comprises needled mineral wool fibres; superabsorbent particles in the absorbent layer may be sandwiched between a denser upper and/or lower barrier layer(s) which assist in preventing their escape.

Abstract: A raised border system is disclosed. The system includes one or more brackets that secures at least one beam in position using at least one anchor stake to create a variety of edging systems. The brackets include nubs that can be inserted into the brackets without the use of tools and are sized and shaped to securely engage a beam in a manner such that the force required to assemble the beams is relatively small and is well exceeded by the force required to disengage the beam from the bracket. While the nubs obviate the need for traditional fasteners or tools, the border system is still compatible with traditional fasteners affording the user a wide variety of options during construction. The system is also universally compatible with a variety of beam materials and sizes.

Abstract: It comprises an outer pot having an inner cavity for receiving an inner pot, the outer pot having an interior where a tray structure is provided comprising trays dividing said interior into sub-chambers arranged at different levels for supplying watering liquid towards the inner cavity at different heights through openings formed in the outer and inner pots. Valve means operated according to the hydrostatic pressure of the watering liquid in the sub-chamber are provided for allowing controlled supply of watering liquid to the inner cavity. Adjusting means are provided for controlling the amount of watering liquid supplied into each sub-chamber.

Abstract: A method for in-store and market display of plants is provided. The method comprises providing a basin for holding a volume of liquid, forming an opening in the basin, providing a hydroponic container having a first end and a second end, cooperating the first end of the hydroponic container with the opening in the basin, growing plants within the hydroponic containers, moving liquid from the basin to the second end of the hydroponic container, and exchanging the harvested hydroponic containers with unharvested hydroponic containers.

Abstract: A hydroponic produce display apparatus for in-store and market display of plants is provided. The hydroponic produce display apparatus comprises a basin for holding a volume of liquid with an opening formed in the basin. A hydroponic container is provided having a first end and a second end with the first end of the hydroponic container cooperates with the opening in the basin and the plants growing within the hydroponic containers. An irrigation mechanism moves liquid from the basin to the second end of the hydroponic container wherein harvested hydroponic containers are exchanged with harvested containers.

Abstract: A method for preparing a fuel using oxygen-storing compound nanoparticles is provided, in which the nanoparticles is heated at a first temperature to release an amount of oxygen, thereby producing a reduced oxide compound, and the reduced oxide compound is exposed to a gas at a second temperature to produce the fuel. The gas can include carbon dioxide and water vapor, and the fuel can include carbon monoxide and/or hydrogen. The oxygen-storing compound nanoparticles can be nano ceria or nano ceria doped with one or more metals, such as Cu and/or Zr. A system for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Imidazole-containing polymer membranes are described herein. Methods of their preparation and use are also described herein. The methods of using the membranes include capturing and reducing volatile compounds from gas streams.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding and swinging door system, comprising a rail profile in which at least two door leaves are mounted so as to be displaceable by way of two support elements, and which profile is provided with an expanding clamp for receiving a locking element disposed on a door leaf, in each instance, wherein at least one lateral outlet opening for release of a support element of a door leaf is disposed in the rail profile, at a distance from the expanding clamp, wherein at least one support part (6) is disposed on the rail profile (1), which part interacts with a pressure part (7) disposed on a door leaf (3), in each instance, in such a manner that when a support element (4) of a door leaf (3) is released, lateral tilting of the door leaf (3) is prevented, as long as the locking element (5) has not reached its stop point in the expanding clamp (2).

Abstract: A method of forming a polycrystalline diamond body includes mixing a sintering agent with diamond powder to form a premixed layer, the sintering agent including at least one alkaline eat mewl carbonate; forming an infiltration layer adjacent to the premixed layer, the infiltration layer including an infiltrant material including at least one alkaline earth metal carbonate; and subjecting the premixed layer and the infiltration layer to high pressure high temperature conditions.

Abstract: A portable container is provided which comprises a passing room(s) allowing entry into a second area into a first area, the passing room having at least two openings with a walkway in-between. Barrier device(s) can be located in the walkway but not connected to the first or second opening. A control room(s) can also be provided, the control room being connected to the passing room(s).

Abstract: An elevator and also to a drive unit for driving an elevator includes one or more hoisting members that are continuous in the vertical direction, a load-receiving part suspended on the hoisting member, and also a driving member engaging with the hoisting member for moving the load-receiving part. The driving member engaging with the hoisting member is configured to be driven with a detachable drive unit.

Abstract: A telescoping frame system comprising a non-telescoping frame with a longitudinal side, first and second attachment arms; a main arm that is parallel to the longitudinal side of the non-telescoping frame; a first pivot arm with a top surface that acts as a rail for a first roller wheel; a second pivot arm with a top surface that acts as a rail for a second roller wheel; and first and second brace arms that maintain each pivot arm at a ninety-degree angle to the longitudinal side of the non-telescoping frame when the first pivot arm is fully extended. The first and second pivot arms are pivotally attached to the first and second attachment arms, respectively. The first roller wheel is pivotally attached to a first end of the main arm, and the second roller wheel is pivotally attached to a second end of the main arm.

Abstract: The present application provides a modular enclosure for use with an equipment platform and a turbo-machine. The modular enclosure may include a first number of walls attached to a number of legs of the equipment platform and a second number of walls attached to the legs of the equipment platform. The first number of walls may include a number of pivotable panels. The second number of walls may include an access aperture therein. The equipment platform may provide a roof for the modular enclosure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a paint mixing room (1) comprising a base portion (2), four walls (3), a top portion (4) and at least one door (5) located in one the walls (3); at least one shelf (6), particularly for water-borne products, solvent-borne products and/or color tools; at least one workbench (7); a color station (8) comprising e.g. a personal computer, a spectrophotometer, and a barcode reader; a connector for an electrical power supply; and a ventilation system (11); wherein the paint mixing room (1) is portable.