Abstract: An inerted plate dryer for drying solvent based coating is disclosed. The dryer uses two tiers of substantially parallel heating plates that are located not more than 10 cm apart. A moving web with solvent based coating is passed through the dryer, and runs closer to one of the heating plates. The method of using such inerted plate dryer is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved desolventizer toaster and methods are provided wherein a solvent vapor recycle system may be employed to recycle solvent vapor throughout a portion of the desolventizer portion of the apparatus housing. In other embodiments of the invention, a water vapor recycle system may be employed to recycle water vapor throughout a portion of the toaster portion of the apparatus housing. The solvent vapor recycle system may comprise an appropriate meal dust separator, blower and superheater. The water vapor recycle system may comprise an appropriate ejector or blower and superheater. Water vapor recovered in the solvent extraction process may be used as a water vapor feed to the heated water vapor recycling system.

Abstract: A flip-flop includes a sole and a strap unit. The strap unit includes a thong portion, and first and second strap portions, and is made by the steps of: providing superposed first and second layers of warp threads; inserting a first weft thread through sheds formed in the first layer of warp threads so as to weave the first strap portion; inserting a second weft thread through sheds formed in the second layer of warp threads so as to weave the second strap portion; and inserting the first and second weft threads through sheds which are cooperatively formed by the superposed first and second layers of warp threads so as to weave the thong portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lightweight shoe sole having a structure for shock absorption and rebound resilience that is capable of improving shock absorption and rebound resilience characteristics, while providing light weight. The lightweight shoe sole includes: a reinforcing member; a first midsole having first protrusions formed integrally therewith, the first protrusions being supported on one surface of the reinforcing member; and a second midsole having second protrusions formed integrally therewith, the second protrusions being supported on the other surface of the reinforcing member, wherein the first protrusions and the second protrusions are supported by means of the reinforcing member in non-overlapping regions therebetween.

Abstract: A shoe comfort device including a flexible length, a fixing end, and a detachable heel attachment, constructed to support a shoe substantially against the bottom of a human foot.

Abstract: A protective system for articles of footwear includes a protective member that may be used to protect a sole structure from components of a graphic transfer assembly. The protective member can include adjustment members for adjusting the effective depth of different portions of the protective member. The protective member can also include adjustable covering portions for protecting portions of an upper.

Abstract: An anti-stretch treatment of natural leather or suede materials for articles of footwear is provided. The anti-stretch treatment is used to prevent or reduce the degree or amount of variation in stretch property of an upper or vamp of articles of footwear. The anti-stretch treatment includes a plurality of welds in the material of the upper that provide resistance to stretching along a longitudinal direction, a lateral direction, or both, that assists with preventing or reducing stretching out of the upper of an article of footwear or otherwise losing shape or form.

Abstract: A combination footwear covering and carrier bag assembly, whereby the footwear covering is worn over the wearer's foot and/or sock while walking around a wet, snowy or slippery surface. The footwear covering includes a water-resistant body having an interior cavity. The body has a lower portion, a side portion and an upper portion defining the interior cavity. The carrier bag stores the footwear covering therein and is adapted to be unobtrusively worn about a wearer's body during activity and sports. The bag is made of bendable, water-resistant material having an opening and interior compartment. The bag includes pair of adjustable straps extending outwardly therefrom and a means for fastening the straps to the wearer's body.

Abstract: A footwear for exercise providing a superior portability to that of a sports shoe and providing a comparative comfort of exercise with that of a sports shoe is provided. The footwear 1L includes a covering member 10L and an insole member 11L. On an outer surface of the covering member 10L, a rubber member 15L to cover an entire bottom side portion of the covering member 10L where the insole member 11L is placed, a rubber member 16L to extend from a front end of the covering member 10L to a nearby portion of a step-in opening 13L of the covering member 10L, and a rubber member 17L to extend from a rear end of the covering member 10L to a nearby portion of a step-in opening 13L of the covering member 10L, are provided.

Abstract: A protective covering can be quickly and efficiently applied to the skin including, without limitation, the underside of a foot. A sheet of durable material has a first side surface coated with at least one adhesive, and a second (opposite) side surface which can include a traction promoting material or tread design. The durable material can be pre-cut using cross-hatched pattern(s) of intersecting elongate cuts that divide the durable sheet material into segments or pieces. The durable sheet material can be sandwiched between two opposing and removable release liner sheets.

Abstract: There is disclosed a shoe (10) having a main portion (11) and an insert portion (12). The main portion (11) includes a sole (14) and an upper (15) which includes an outer layer (16) and an inner layer (17) which form a pocket (18) therebetween, the top edges (22) and (21), respectively, of which are coupled through fastening means (23). The outer layer (16) has a clear portions (24) through which the insert portion (12) positioned within the pocket is visible.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an improved welted footwear and related method of manufacture. The welted footwear and related method of manufacturing is directed to a molded foot support platform that provides a number of advantageous features.

Abstract: A skate assembly includes a shell structure and a removable tendon guard. The shell structure includes a heel portion, a lateral ankle portion, and a medial ankle portion. The heel portion is formed to cover a human heel. The lateral ankle portion is formed to extend beyond the heel portion. The medial ankle portion is formed to extend beyond the heel portion. The lateral ankle portion and the medial ankle portion are spaced apart to form a notch extending toward the heel portion. The removable tendon guard is removably attached between the lateral ankle portion and medial ankle portion to cover the notch.

Abstract: A shoe has a cohesive design/logo that spans the entirety of the shoe and the design is printed prior to assembly. The panels of the shoe are included on a large piece of material large enough to encompass all the panels of the shoes that will require printing. The print will cover the entire piece of leather and result in what appears to be a segmented logo. Certain areas of the print will include a seam to account for the overlap that will occur when stitching the panels together. The panels will then be cut apart and then stitched together so that the panels of the designs line up in a cohesive and recognizable fashion. The resulting shoe will be one that bears a logo/design that covers multiple panels.

Abstract: Cleat structures, e.g., for football shoes, may include: (a) a cleat base; (b) a cleat free end; and (c) a concave side edge and at least two additional side edges extending between the cleat base and the cleat free end. Such cleats may be incorporated into sole structures (e.g., outsole components) that have one or more of: a base plate having a V-shaped support structure with lateral and medial support members extending forward from a base support area located in a heel or rear midfoot area of the outsole component; a base plate having a matrix structure with recesses or openings formed between rib elements that make up the matrix structure; and/or a base plate having a rear heel support. The cleats and base plates may be made, at least in part, as unitary, one-piece constructions, using selective laser sintering or other three-dimensional printing and/or rapid manufacturing additive fabrication techniques.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a tongue. The tongue includes a medial portion, a lateral portion, a central portion, a top portion and an upper perimeter portion. The lateral portion, the central portion and the upper perimeter portion include holes. The top portion and medial portion are substantially solid portions without holes. Each portion of the tongue corresponds to a different pressure zone along a foot in order to provide differential cushioning and support against pressure applied by a fastening system.

Abstract: A heel member includes a base portion, a medial portion and a lateral portion. The lateral portion is a wall-like portion including a plurality of windows. The medial portion comprises a plurality of projecting portions that extend upwardly from the base portion. The medial portion may be taller than the lateral portion. The medial portion may be more flexible than the lateral portion.

Abstract: A universal heeled shoe protector for mounting to a heeled shoe to protect the heeled shoe from moisture and other potentially damaging elements. The protector includes a relatively flexible covering for surrounding the heeled shoe. The covering is water resistant and defines an opening at a top end. A sole is secured to a bottom end of the covering. The sole includes a top surface and a gripping surface providing traction with a ground surface. The sole includes a ball portion, an arch portion and a heel portion. A memory material is mounted to the top surface in the heel portion and at least partially in the arch portion. The memory material has a relaxed height and a compressed height. The relaxed height is greater than the compressed height. The memory material is generally positioned at the relaxed height when the heeled shoe is not positioned on the memory material.

Abstract: A snow removal machine, in which an engine drives an auger and a blower, includes a mode switching operation section for selecting and switching to any one of a plurality of control modes differing from each other in engine output control characteristic; and a control section for controlling the engine by executing any one of the plurality of control modes in accordance with an operation signal output from the mode switching operation section. The control section makes a determination as to whether an operating state of the engine in the currently-executed control mode is in a recommended operating range preset on the basis of at least a rotating speed and degree of throttle opening of the engine, and instructs a display section to display a result of the determination.

Abstract: A snow removal machine including a travel unit frame having travel units, and an auger housing liftable, lowerable and rollable relative to the travel unit frame. The machine also includes: a frame inclination angle detection section for detecting an inclination angle of the travel frame relative to a ground surface; a housing inclination angle detection section for detecting an inclination angle of the auger housing relative to the travel unit frame; and an overall inclination angle evaluation section for evaluating an overall inclination angle of the auger housing relative to the ground surface on the basis of the inclination angles detected by the two detection sections. The two detection sections are provided on a part of the machine which does not make rolling motion together with the auger housing.

Abstract: An actuator system for a machine includes a hydraulic actuator connected to a dipper of the machine, and a hydraulic system fluidly connected to the actuator and configured to selectively direct fluid to the actuator. A component of the hydraulic system is mounted on the dipper. The system also includes an overcenter link coupled to a door of the dipper and biased to maintain the door in a closed position. The actuator is operable to move the overcenter link in a first direction, thereby transitioning the door from the closed position to an open position.

Abstract: An attachment system for use with an excavation implement can include a retainer which secures a wear member to a lip of the excavation implement, the retainer being fixedly attached to the lip, and a biasing device retained within the retainer. The biasing device biases the wear member toward the lip. A method of attaching a wear member to a lip of an excavation implement can include installing a biasing device in a retainer fixedly secured to the lip, and then positioning the wear member on the lip. Another attachment system can include a biasing device which is compressed between the retainer and the locking device. Another method of attaching a wear member can include positioning the wear member on the lip, then extending the locking device from the wear member, and then compressing the biasing device between the locking device and the retainer.

Abstract: Coupling assemblies for releasably holding separable parts together, and in particular for releasably securing a wear member to a support structure in excavating equipment are formed so as to provide increased take up to ensure a tight fit of the wear member on the support structure even if considerable deviation between the parts exists due to wearing, manufacturing variations or the like. The coupling assemblies are suitable for securing points, adapters, shrouds, or other replaceable component to various excavating equipment. The components of the coupling assembly include a wedge and a spool that pivots about a fulcrum when the wedge is driven into assembly for increased take up capabilities. The spool is rotatably engaged around a fulcrum of the support structure and has a bearing portion that bears against and moves the wear member to be secured to thereby take up any gaps between the engaging surfaces of these members.

Abstract: An integral greeting card/game is disclosed wherein a multi-panel greeting card also serves as a game board and is combined with a game piece and launch mechanism to create a novel, interactive greeting card. The multi-panel greeting card contains a sound module therein and a magnetic trigger is contained and concealed below one or more of the multiple greeting card panels. The game piece contains a magnet therein so that when the game piece comes into contact with the area of the greeting card above or proximate to the magnetic trigger, playback of an audio file is initiated.

Abstract: A water display is described having different layers that each include a geometric shape. Water is provided to and drained from the display to vary the height of the water between the layers of the display. As the water height increases or decreases from one layer to another, pools of water assuming the geometric shapes formed in a given layer appear. The geometric shapes formed in a given layer appear. The geometric pools of water transform shapes as the water is raised or lowered.

Abstract: A signboard structure includes a base, at least a pair of first electrodes and a pair of second electrodes. The base is formed with plural insertion holes, and includes a tenon and an engaging slot having a contour mated with the tenon. The first electrodes are disposed in the base corresponding to the locations of the insertion holes, and each of the first electrodes is partially exposed outside the base. The second electrodes are disposed in the base, electrically connected to the first electrodes, and each of the second electrodes is partially exposed outside the base. With the first electrodes and the second electrodes, the base is enabled to be electrically connected to another base for extension and expansion, and detachable illumination units are provided which can be freely arranged according to the user's requirement.

Abstract: The perimeter of a hollow-core nonmagnetic frame is magnetized with magnetic inserts. Display panels of corresponding shape and size are provided with a ferromagnetic material along their perimeter so that the display panels can be magnetically retained in position on the frame by magnetically coupling to the magnetic inserts through the nonmagnetic frame. In this manner, aesthetically pleasing seamless multi-panel displays can be created in various shapes and sizes.

Abstract: An upper frame and a lower frame are prevented from coming close to each other within a predetermined distance by a push-in preventing pawl and an abutting part, while preventing the upper and lower frames from coming off by a come-off preventing pawl and an engagement part. In this manner, it becomes possible to prevent the load which causes deterioration of the display quality from being applied to a liquid crystal display panel, so that the reliability can be enhanced.

Abstract: An apparatus known as a self-illuminating light-emitting firearm magazine indicator, or simply, light-emitting magazine indicator, (LEMI), is described here forth. The light-emitting firearm magazine indicator makes use of a self-illuminating device. The device and/or materials could comprise: radioactive gaseous isotopes, self-illuminating paint or any other substance that contains self-luminous properties. The light-emitting firearm magazine indicator will make use of any form of self-illumination technology that require no external power source or battery technology in order to give off light emissions. The light-emitting firearm magazine indicator will use the properties of radio-luminescence as a primary, but not exclusive source to create such attributes.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, a firearm recoil suppressor comprises a boot for receiving the butt-stock, at least one means for suppressing the recoil, a base, and a base fixture device. In one embodiment, the suppressing means comprises at least one hydraulic shock absorber, such as a piston and cylinder, or other shock absorber known to those with skill in the art.

Abstract: A gun safety device on a gun automatically prevents the gun from firing when it is inside a registered area, which includes: a positioning device for determining the geographic position of a gun; a data processing device for identifying whether the gun is located within a registered area by comparing the gun's position with the stored geographic positions of the registered areas, and for generating a disable signal when the gun is identified to be inside a registered area; and a safety seizer operable to prevent the gun from discharging in response to receiving the disable signal from the data processing device. The automatic gun safety device may further include a communication device for communications with external networks. Optionally, the data processing device sends the gun's location to a monitoring center. The practice of this invention will ensure the community safety meanwhile defend the constitutional right of gun ownership.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sighting device having an optical reversing system (12) and a target mark as well as a ballistics computer for computing data that is relevant in terms of ballistics, the reversing system (12) being adjustable mechanically and the target mark being adjustable electronically and at least one adjusting device (13) being provided for adjusting the reversing system (12) and the target mark.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for joining a fishing line to another fishing component, for adjusting the buoyancy of fishing components, and for cutting a fishing line.

Abstract: A trawl door, deflector, vane or paravane (40) constructed with adjustable panels (22, 23, 24) and driving units (25) for control the water flow through the spreading device during towing through the water with remote control where driving units (25) are used to adjust the position of the panels control the water flow through the spreading device and maneuver the spreading device in optimum position in the towing direction, horizontally or vertically, the panels are adjustable independently to give enhanced performance of the operating systems, fishing trawl or seismic survey system, without having to pull the system to the towing vessel to adjust manually.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder having a spring base, rod receiver, at least one rod receiver arm and a first spring. The spring base being mountable to a secure mount. The rod receiver including a top and bottom, and an open area within the rod receiver at the top to receive a fishing rod. The at least one rod receiver arm connecting the rod receiver to the spring base, wherein the rod receiver is connected by the at least one rod receiver to the spring base such that the rod receiver can pivot to provide motion during fishing. The first spring mounted between the spring base and the rod receiver to provide resistance to movement of the rod receiver.

Abstract: A fishing tool is inserted into a fish's mouth to keep the mouth open while dislodging a fish hook therefrom. The fishing tool includes serrated arm teeth that can be opened when the handles are moved together. A clamping arch, with teeth, can keep the serrated arm teeth in an opened configuration and prevent closure while holding a fish's mouth open.

Abstract: The embodiments of the Fishing Tool are comprised of a front and rear element secured together at a common pivot point. Each element is comprised of a handle and an arm. In the embodiments each arm is comprised of a tip end that is formed at an angle from the arm and extends outward from the arm. The Fishing Tool is comprised of a radial handle located on each element so that when the handles are squeezed together each element moves oppositely around the common pivot point causing the radial arms and the tips to move apart in opposite arc paths. An integral ratchet, friction, or other mechanism will cause the device to hold or lock its position until the mechanism is released. An internal spring will assist returning the device to its original, neutral position. The embodiments of the Fishing Tool offer fishermen hands-free assistance with fishhook retrieval/removal.

Abstract: The foot snare triggering device of the present invention is designed to be used with a foot snare, and comprises a trigger plate assembly, having a tension adjustment means which allows the trigger plate assembly to pivotally yield to vertical pressure. A trigger mechanism has a trigger end set within said plate assembly and is attached to an extension mechanism providing a tandem extension spring configuration attached to a pair of pulleys, and a snare attachment port located within the trigger mechanism for releasably securing a foot snare by moving longitudinally when the trigger mechanism is engaged by pressure to said plate assembly allowing a foot snare to be released from the snare attachment port after triggering said device. A pan, pivotally connected to the plate underside distal to the pan tension adjustment means, has a trigger mount to engagingly receive the trigger mechanism.

Abstract: A trap device for a carpenter bee. A first lure comprises an entry hole defined through an enclosure. A second lure comprises a tunnel extending from the entry hole into the interior. A third lure comprises a means for allowing natural sunlight to penetrate into the interior such that a bee passing into the tunnel is lured towards the exit. A tray is situated within the interior past the exit, the tray containing a sticky substance such that the bee is immobilized upon traveling into the interior. An optional bait lure is utilized consisting of either female bee pheromone or a fragrance. Therefore, a bee, attracted to the natural wood of the enclosure and entry hole, enters the tunnel, turns by natural instinct to follow the path of two chambers and makes contact with the sticky pad to become immobilized.

Abstract: An assembly for abating animals can include an effigy of a terrestrial carnivoran; a nerve irritant; and an absorbent material disposed within the effigy from which the nerve irritant can diffuse.

Abstract: A system includes a grinder, a storage unit, and an organic compound production unit. The grinder is configured to produce a fuel slurry from a solid fuel, a liquid, and an organic compound that is miscible with the liquid. The storage unit is configured to supply the organic compound to the grinder. The organic compound production unit is configured to receive a portion of syngas generated by a gasifier to generate the organic compound for supply to the storage unit.

Abstract: A fuel additive concentrate comprising at least one aryl amine; and at least one metal-containing compound is disclosed. In an aspect, the fuel additive concentrate can be synergistic. Fuel composition comprising the fuel additive concentration and methods of combusting the fuel composition are also disclosed. Moreover, methods of enhancing research octane number, increasing fuel economy, and reducing the carbon footprint of a vehicle are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing biodiesel comprising a step of generating fatty acid alkyl ester and glycerol by a transesterification of animal and vegetable oils and fats and fatty acid alcohols in the presence of porous materials. The method is characterized by a high response speed and high FAME conversion, and can be performed in a consecutive process. Further, according to the method, a high-purity fatty acid alkyl ester and glycol can be produced irrespective of the content of free fatty acids (FFAs). Further, since the method does not use a catalyst, the total processing time and cost can be reduced, and the method is environmentally friendly.

Abstract: The invention relates to fuel composition formed by a fuel mixture, whose one component is formed by partially dewatered stillage from the bioethanol production and the other one are milled materials, where the ratio of total of sodium weight and potassium weight in the ashes to the weight of the other non-combustible components of a value less than 1:5.85 and/or it set up to achieve the resulting ash melting temperature of the mixture higher than 760° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to to a method and an arrangement for precise monitoring and control of torrefaction temperature, which enables accurate control of the quality and properties of the torrefied material. The method includes determining the surface temperature of the biomass in the torrefaction arrangement is using an IR-thermometer and hot nitrogen gas a purge gas.

Abstract: A method for torrefying biomass comprises using an oxidation catalyst to combust gas produced by torrefaction, and thereby produce combustion flue gas. The method also comprises introducing the combustion flue gas into a torrefaction reactor and/or a cooler.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for inhibiting the uprooting and toppling of trees during storms, and tree-stabilizing apparatuses adapted for this purpose.

Abstract: A seed label including a label layer removably attached to a clear film layer by an adhesive layer, and at least one seed disposed between the label layer and clear film layer. The label layer may be made of a biodegradable material. The adhesive layer may be a dry release-clean release adhesive layer. The label layer may include water-based ink printing thereon. The adhesive layer may be a water-based adhesive. The seed label may be removably affixed to a package. The seed label may be disposable in a container for germinating the seeds. A method of manufacturing a seed label, includes providing a label layer, automatically placing at least one seed on one side of the label layer, and automatically attaching the label layer to a clear film layer by an adhesive layer, with the seed disposed between the label layer and clear film layer.

Abstract: A plant culture box assembly is composed of a box and an upper cover. The box includes a bottom portion, a first peripheral wall, and a fastening portion. The first peripheral wall is connected with a peripheral edge of the bottom portion, so that an opening is formed between the first peripheral wall and the bottom portion. The fastening portion is annularly formed at an external side of the first peripheral wall. The upper cover includes a top portion and a second peripheral wall. The top portion is mounted to the opening. The second peripheral wall is connected with a peripheral edge of the top portion and tightly combined with the fastening portion to enable the first peripheral wall, the fastening portion, and the second peripheral wall to jointly define an isolated space. In this way, the box and the upper cover can have preferable airtight effect therebetween.

Abstract: A purpose of the present invention is to provide a plant cultivation method with which the growth of plants can be promoted by adjusting the environment within a culture medium, and to provide a plant cultivation container with which this cultivation method can be easily and effectively performed. The present invention provides a plant cultivation method for plants which are raised in a culture medium, which cultivation method is characterized in that water is only supplied to the plants from the side of the culture medium, and provides a plant cultivation container and a plant cultivation device used therefor.