Abstract: A message box for presenting messages, such as advertising material to target consumers. The message box is suitable for being integrated into existing infrastructure. Further, the message box includes an electronic illumination source that can be pulsed on or off, and at varying intensity levels so as to maximize or increase the ability to attract the attention of the target consumers. Other controls can be applied in operation of the illumination sources so as to create additional attractions to target consumers. The messages can be manually or automatically changed.

Abstract: An easily-attachable tree sign is an apparatus that can be mounted on the trunk of a tree or any other cylindrical object. The apparatus includes a flexible sheet, a pair of channels, a pair of straps, and a printed graphic. The printed graphic is positioned across the flexible sheet that is used to brace the cylindrical surface of an object. The two channels are positioned opposite of each other across the flexible sheet, which prevents the flexible sheet from wrinkling once the pair of straps attaches the apparatus to a cylindrical object. Each strap traverses through its respective channel so that each strap can support opposing sections of the flexible sheet. Each strap also has a first end and a second end that can either be tied together or clasped to each other by a fastener.

Abstract: System of tagging items that integrates at least two tags of different shapes, each of which can be removed by withdrawing detachable parts. The system includes two flaps connected by a common fold line. The systems also includes a tab that extends longitudinally and is detachably connected along a transverse precut line to one of the flaps on an outer edge thereof, the width of the tab, measured transversely, being smaller than that of the flap.

Abstract: Disclosed is a accessory device for a ballistic thrower that can be handgun or a gun or other object throwing device that is meant to improve the quality of the action and the comfort and safety of the operator. It is made of accessory devices that stabilize the operation of the throwing device making it reproducible, predictable and controllable. It adds an improved target visualization system and environment monitoring electronics and actuators for accurately firing/throwing after aiming considering all the major perturbations, as movements, wind, humidity, atmospheric pressure, target movement, shooting post movement, etc. The device adds other features of safety for the shooter, as stealth action, by dampening the shock, flames and heat signature and having a remote operation.

Abstract: A high capacity box magazine is provided. A plurality of nested followers may be adapted to nest one within another and a plurality of springs may be configured to nest one within another to facilitate the advancement of cartridges within the box magazine to a firearm. A spring cup or cups may be used to nest additional springs that work in series and are nested within each other to further reduce the required height of the springs. The reliability of a conventional lower capacity box magazine may be maintained or exceeded without requiring significantly greater length in order to accommodate the increased capacity. The high capacity box magazine typically requires less frequent magazine changes than conventional lower capacity box magazines.

Abstract: The present invention is an ammunition magazine, preferably made of a reinforced polymer, utilizing a structurally enhancing ridge, angular guide rails and a follower made to interface with said guide rails to reduce wobble. The preferred embodiment also features a protective cover that distributes forces from the spring to more structurally sound areas of the magazine, thus reducing feed end splay, and an ammunition indication system comprised of at least one window and a noticeable marker on the follower spring. The follower and magazine casing are also designed to interface to prevent the follower from popping out of the feed end and the floor plate of the magazine utilizes a locking plate and sliding relationship between the floor plate, locking plate and magazine to secure the floor plate onto the magazine casing. The cover features built in tools for, among other things, unloading and disassembling the magazine.

Abstract: A revolver cylinder is rotated at least approximately at a speed that corresponds to the normal rate of fire of a weapon. When a predetermined loading step is reached, the trigger of the weapon is controlled such that fire can be opened essentially without delay. The weapon is fired without break immediately after (with) the loading process. At the same time, the weapon is transferred, thus only directly before firing, from a secure SAFE state to the CHARGED state, whereby the safety standards of the weapon are significantly improved. The time during which the weapon is in the state of operational and firing readiness and not in the SAFE state is minimized or entirely eliminated, which considerably increases the operating safety. Extending the time in the SAFE state allows the level of testing for the weapon (for example for the trigger) to be greater, which in turn results in greater reliability of the weapon.

Abstract: A firearm has a magazine safety and a take-down mechanism. The magazine safety operates in conjunction with a trigger bar and a disconnect bar. The magazine safety has a safety arm which moves the disconnect bar out of engagement with the trigger bar when a magazine is inserted. This permits the trigger bar to engage the sear. When the magazine is removed, the safety arm disengages from the disconnect bar, permitting the disconnect bar to move the trigger bar into a position where it cannot engage the sear. The safety bar also operates as a take-down mechanism. When moved to a take-down position, the safety arm engages and moves the sear into a position where it cannot engage the striker so as to permit removal of the slide carrying the striker from the firearm.

Abstract: A battery-powered trigger-locking device, which is configured to be disposed on a gun with a trigger for firing, includes a data receiver, a data memory and a logic device for determining whether data received by the receiver is the same, or substantially the same, as data stored in the memory. If a data match is indicated, the logic device causes an electromagnetic device to move a trigger-locking member to an unlocked position, permitting the gun to be fired. A separate electronic gun key is provided to transmit gun unlock data to the data receiver of the trigger-locking device. This gun unlock data may be a password, a long pseudo-random number or biologic data identifying the gun owner or some other person who is licensed or otherwise authorized to fire the gun.

Abstract: A gun trigger-looking device which is configured to be manually installed on a gun with a trigger-blocking member disposed behind the trigger to prevent the gun from being fired. The device includes a data receiver, a data memory and a logic device for determining whether data received by the receiver is the same as data stored in the memory. If a data match is indicated, the logic device causes an electromagnetic device to move a locking member to an unlocked position, permitting the trigger-blocking member to be manually removed from the gun so the gun can be fired. A separate electronic key is provided to transmit unlock data to the data receiver of the trigger-locking device. This unlock data may be a password, a long pseudo-random number or biologic data identifying the gun owner or some other person who is licensed or otherwise authorized to fire the gun.

Abstract: A gun locking and unlocking device, which may be configured to be disposed adjacent the trigger of a gun to alternatively prevent or enable firing, includes a data receiver, a data memory and a logic device for determining whether data received by the receiver is the same, or substantially the same, as data stored in the data memory. One or more separate electronic gun keys are provided to transmit gun lock/unlock data to the data receiver of the gun lock device. The logic device responds to a gun control signal transmitted by one of the gun key devices with priority over a gun control signal transmitted by another gun key device. The logic device automatically locks the gun when it is located in a prohibited area, such as a school. The logic device also locks the gun when the gun user is intoxicated or acting in an irrational manner. Once locked, the user must set a timer which allows the gun to be unlocked only after a specified “wait” time.

Abstract: A foregrip for a firearm may comprise a mounting device configured to attach to a mounting rail of a firearm and a grip body. The grip body may include a top portion configured to be removably attached to the mounting device and a lateral side portion configured to be gripped by the hand of a person using a firearm. A cavity may be disposed within the grip body, and a blade may be disposed at least partially within the cavity, wherein the blade is movable between a refracted position and a deployed position relative to the grip body.

Abstract: A battery-powered electronic evidence-collecting device on the gun that transmits to a smartphone or other device carried by the peace officer for recording and forwarding the evidence to a central station. The evidence collecting and recording apparatus is activated by the removal of the gun from its holster.

Abstract: A device for aiding in the retention and drawing of ammunition magazines is disclosed. This invention does two things that previous ammunition magazine draw devices do not do. First, this invention is designed so that when an individual uses the invention to draw a magazine from its pouch, the magazine is drawn into the palm of the hand, providing a more solid and more comfortable grasp on the magazine. Second, this invention is equipped with a built-in retention feature. The device also features a hook shaped handle which is designed to protrude from the side of a magazine and easily catch a persons finger, making it faster than devices currently available on the market.

Abstract: An elongated mounting platform has Picatinny rails on the surface of its opposing elongated sides, opposing elongated edges, and opposing ends. Rails can be continuous or discontinuous along each surface. The mounting platform serves to support Picatinny accessories that are not being used in association with a firearm.

Abstract: A shooting rest includes a pod arrangement and a rail assembly. The pod arrangement can be a monopod, bipod or tripod. The rail assembly is connected to the pod arrangement. The rail assembly includes a rail, a shuttle and a rest. The rail has an end which is connected to the pod arrangement. The shuttle is slidably mounted to the rail and includes a latch for selectively securing the shuttle at a desired location along a length of the rail. The rest is connected to the shuttle.

Abstract: A portable gun rest made substantially from a block of polymer foam material, featuring magnets attached to at least one surface opposite said groove to enable the gun rest to be removably attached to a metal surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tom turkey decoy that includes a three-dimensional body having a substantial volume. The three-dimensional body is dwarfed and has a diminished size when compared to a body of a normal sized live mature tom turkey. A neck extends from the three-dimensional body, the neck being of comparable size and having comparable features to the neck of the normal sized live mature tom turkey. A head extends from the neck, the head being of a comparable size and having comparable features to the head of the normal sized live mature tom turkey. The head and the neck are positioned on the body in an erect position. Further disclosed is a method of hunting using the tom turkey decoy.

Abstract: The floatable, universally mountable fishing rod holder has base incorporating a rod holder for holding the handle of a fishing rod, a floatable portion for floating the fishing rod holder should the fishing rod holder fall into water so it can be recovered, and a plurality of mountings for mounting the fishing rod holder to any of a deck, a dock, a boat, a railing, a post, any of a 2?×4? to 2?×8? lumber, over a T joint formed between two perpendicular rails, railings or posts, whether vertically or horizontally oriented, as well as to ground. Said mountings include one or more clamps, straps, a deck plate and ground engaging stake and fasteners and wing nuts for attachment to the base.

Abstract: A hook setting trigger is a device that automatically sets a fishing hook. The hook setting trigger utilizes a fisherman's existing or preferred fishing rod set up. The hook setting trigger is additionally able to adjust the sensitivity of the trigger. The hook setting trigger accomplishes this through the use of an elongated body, a line catch, a tension adjuster, an eyelet mount. The device functions complimentarily with a stabilizing base to retain a fishing rod and an anchored tether. The fishing rod is flexed and the hook setting trigger is mounted to the eyelet of the fishing rod. The baited fishing line is operatively coupled to the trigger and then positioned in the water. Upon receiving a tug on the fishing line from a biting fish, the hook setting trigger is detached and the elasticity of the fishing rod tugs the fishing line and sets the hook.

Abstract: A fishing device, for use with a reel and rod combination having fishing line with attached terminal tackle, includes a base, an indicator device, a trigger mechanism, and a tine device. The base has a hole and slot configuration to allow a fishing line to feed through the base. The indicator device is coupled to the base and is configured to indicate the presence of a fish. The trigger mechanism is configured to cause the indicator device to pop up when the trigger device is activated. The line device attaches to the fishing line and is configured to activate the trigger mechanism. When a fish pulls on the terminal tackle, the line device activates the trigger mechanism that causes the indicator device to pop-up indicating to a user the presence of a fish.

Abstract: A lure accessory, operable in connection with a fishing rod and reel and with any of a wide variety of fishing lures, to create a simulated fish strike motion in the lure. The lure accessory includes a generally flat oval enclosure that incorporates a helical flat escapement spring fixed to a central axis and to a rotatable reel of leader line. The reeled leader line extends from the enclosure and attaches to the fishing lure. When the fisherman tugs on the lure assembly, the lure accessory is pulled directly while the fishing lure tends to stay motionless (initially) within the water. Once the tug on the line stops, the drag of the fishing lure is overcome by the energy in the spring within the lure accessory. The motion of the fishing lure toward the lure accessory as the spring draws the leader line back in simulates a fish strike motion.

Abstract: A fishing hook includes a J-shaped body extending from an eyelet at a first end to a hook at a second end. A corkscrew-shaped portion is positioned intermediately between the first end and the second end. A locking arm is joined by a hinge to the fishing hook. The locking arm includes a clasp for removably grasping the fishing hook. The locking arm includes a barb extending toward the corkscrew. The fishing hook described herein allows the hook to be baited quickly and does not require that the worm be skewered by the hook.

Abstract: The invention is a snare threaded through a compression spring delivered to the animal via a two-jaw animal trap. The snare consists of steel or other resilient cable, a snare lock and other wire rope devices sufficient for making a snare, flexible tube, a spring retention washer, “J” clip, and a compression spring. The snare assembly is threaded through a piece of rigid tubing which serves to direct the energy of the compression spring. The compression spring causes the snare to lock upon the animal when the trap is activated, and the flexible tube reduces the possibility of rope burns or other injury to the animal.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) that blocks the mobility and/or locomotion of insects by ensnaring the appendages of insects in a fiber (20) pattern.

Abstract: An anti-ant device includes an object having a recess defined in the underside thereof and a support extends from the underside of the object and located at the center of the recess. An anti-ant member is located in the recess and mounted to outside of the support. When ants climb along the support, the anti-ant member generates substance to keep the ants away from it, so as to avoid the ants from reaching food on the object.

Abstract: Improved air directing assemblies are provided. More particularly, the present disclosure provides improved air directing assemblies for use with beekeeping smoker assemblies or the like. The present disclosure provides for an air directing assembly that provides or blows a constant, continuous and/or directed stream of air into and/or to a smoker assembly, thereby providing a sufficient/adequate and/or improved amount of smoke to the bees, which thereby keeps the bees calm when the hive is open by the user. The air directing assemblies of the present disclosure prevent the fire in a smoker assembly from going out, and they can replace the pumps/bellows typically associated with smoker assemblies. Thee improved air directing assemblies can be modified to mount with respect to and/or be utilized with a wide variety of smoker assemblies or the like.

Abstract: A bait house for bringing yellow jackets into proximity to a pesticide which is brought back to the nest. The bait house includes a pair of opposing side panels. The bait house also includes an entrance formed in at least one of the side panels. The entrance is configured to allow a yellow jacket to enter the bait house and allow a yellow jacket to exit the bait house. The bait house further includes an integrally molded bait receptacle attached to the side panels by fold lines. The side panels pivot along the fold lines to engage each other and the central tray form an enclosed volume.

Abstract: Devices, apparatus, systems and methods of volatizing insecticide-impregnated strips, such as a dichlorvos resin strip, using heat that can treat a closed and sealed space unit such as a room or building for bed bugs and other undesirable insects. At least one volatile impregnated strip can be positioned in a cage sandwiched between heating members such as electrical heating elements and heated plates. Temperature and time for heating can be controlled. Fans and blowers can help circulate the volatized air so that occupants can return safely to use the space unit within approximately 24 to approximately 36 hours.

Abstract: A note pad is attached to a device having a weapon-shaped handle and a base. Kinetic force is applied through the device to stun or crush a target pest between a top sheet of the note pad and a wall or floor. The top sheet does not have previously applied adhesive for trapping insects, and hence does not generally adhere to the wall or floor. Some sheets bear amusement indicia, such as the likeness of an unpopular public figure or other target of mockery. After a pest is smashed onto it, smearing indicia, the sheet can be removed, wrapped around the target's remains, and placed in a wastebasket for disposal. The device may be provided alone, or it may be provided together with a note pad, or it may be provided with a note pad and with a stamp or stickers for placing target likenesses on the note pad sheets.

Abstract: A process for separation of a mixture comprising at least a microbial oil and a microbial substance into at least a first phase comprising at least part of the microbial oil and a second phase comprising at least part of the microbial substance, wherein the separation is carried out by a cyclone type separation unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are fatty ester compositions comprising beta-hydroxy fatty esters, as well as methods for producing beta-hydroxy fatty esters, and recombinant microorganisms useful in methods of producing beta-hydroxy fatty esters

Abstract: Controlled release of one or more agricultural chemicals is provided by microcapsules adapted to rupture in a magnetic field. The microcapsules, which may be applied to soil, seeds and/or plants, each have a shell that encapsulates an agricultural chemical, such as a fertilizer, herbicide or insecticide. One or more organosilane-coated magnetic nanoparticles is/are covalently bound into the shell of each microcapsule. For example, (3-aminopropyl) trimethylsilane-coated magnetite nanoparticles may be incorporated into the shell of a urea-formaldehyde (UF) microcapsule during in situ polymerization. In one embodiment, microcapsules encapsulating a fertilizer are applied during seed planting. Controlled release is subsequently triggered after an appropriate period of dormancy by positioning a magnetic field generating device proximate the microcapsules to generate a magnetic field sufficient to rupture the microcapsule shells through magnetic stimulation of the organosilane-coated magnetic nanoparticles.

Abstract: A plant-cultivating method is provided which comprises a step (A) of irradiating a plant with a red light and a step (B) of irradiating a plant with a blue light, wherein the step (A) and the step (B) are independently carried out for a predetermined period of time under cultivation conditions such that a fertilizer is used for each of the step (A) and the step (B), of which at least the fertilizer used for the step (A) is applied in the form of a nutritious liquid containing fertilizer ingredients and further carbon dioxide added therein. Preferably, a nutritious liquid is applied at each of the step (A) and the step (B), and the nutritious liquid applied at the step (A) contains carbon dioxide at a concentration higher than that in the nutritious liquid applied at the step (B).

Abstract: The present relates to a steam concentration conduit, a steam concentration nozzle and weed killing apparatus for expanding and directing a flow of steam from a steam apparatus, into a concentrated flow of steam. The steam concentration conduit comprises a body having a first end and a second end. The first end is adapted for receiving the flow of steam from the steam apparatus. The body defines between the first end and the second end, a conduit for expanding and directing the flow of steam received at the first end into a concentrated flow of steam.

Abstract: A tree ring including a tube having an upper end, a lower end, and an outer wall; a ground flange having an outer end, the ground flange being fixedly attached to and extending outwardly from the tube's outer wall, the ground flange further extending annularly about the tube; a plurality of seams, each seam among the plurality of seams segmenting the tube and the ground flange; pairs of flanges connected operatively at the seams, the flange pairs being adapted for interconnecting the tube's segments and the ground flange's segments; and a plurality of “T” sleeves, each sleeve among the plurality of “T” sleeves being fitted for receiving and securing together one of the flange pairs and for securing the segments in a tree ringing pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plant irrigating system (1), comprising a collection structure (99) for collecting moisture present in the atmosphere, wherein the collection structure is provided with a water recovery surface (24) which during use at least partly makes an angle with respect to the orientation of gravity. The plant irrigating system further comprises a reservoir (98) for storing the recovered moisture, wherein the reservoir is provided with irrigation means (19,21) for delivering moisture present in the reservoir to a subsoil located therebelow. The collection structure and the reservoir are manufactured from paper material and/or biodegradable plastic.

Abstract: A plant-cultivating method is provided which comprises a red light irradiation step (A) and a blue light irradiation step (B), wherein the step (A) and the step (B) are independently carried out for a predetermined period of time under cultivation conditions such that the humidity in a cultivation atmosphere at the step (A) is higher than that at the step (B). Preferably the humidities in a cultivation atmosphere at the step (A) and the step (B) are in the ranges of 60%-90% and 40%-60%, respectively.

Abstract: A plant-cultivating method is provided which comprises a red light irradiation step (A) and a blue light irradiation step (B), wherein the step (A) and the step (B) are independently carried out for a predetermined period of time under cultivation conditions such that amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium as fertilizer ingredients as used at the step (B) are smaller than amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium as fertilizer ingredients, respectively, as used at the step (A). Preferably, fertilizer ingredients are applied in amounts such that a growth medium at the step (B) contains 10-15 me/L of nitrogen, 1-4 me/L of phosphorus and 2-6 me/L of potassium, and a growth medium at the step (A) contains 15-20 me/L of nitrogen, 3-6 me/L of phosphorus and 6-9 me/L of potassium.

Abstract: A plant-cultivating method is provided which comprises a red light irradiation step (A) and a blue light irradiation step (B), wherein the step (A) and the step (B) are independently carried out for a predetermined period of time under cultivation conditions such that a fertilizer is used at each of the step (A) and the step (B), of which at least the fertilizer used at the step (B) is applied in the form of a nutritious liquid containing fertilizer ingredients and further an increased amount of dissolved oxygen, which nutritious liquid is prepared by adding oxygen therein. Preferably, a nutritious liquid is applied at each of the step (A) and the step (B), and the nutritious liquid applied at the step (B) contains dissolved oxygen at a content higher than that in the nutritious liquid applied at the step (A).

Abstract: A plant-cultivating method is provided wherein a red light irradiation step (A) and a blue light irradiation step (B) are independently carried out for a predetermined time period, and far-red light is additionally irradiated concurrently with red light at step (A) or with blue light at step (B), or, with red light and blue light at step (A) and step (B), respectively. When far-red light is irradiated concurrently with red light at step (A), the emission intensity of red light is larger than that of far-red light, and an emission intensity ratio of red light to the total lights at step (A) is at least 50%. When far-red light is irradiated concurrently with blue light at step (B), the emission intensity of blue light is larger than that of far-red light, and an emission intensity ratio of blue light to the total lights at step (B) is at least 50%.

Abstract: A plant-cultivating method is provided which comprises a red light irradiation step (A) and a blue light irradiation step (B), wherein the step (A) and the step (B) are independently carried out for a predetermined period of time under cultivation conditions such that the concentration of carbon dioxide in a cultivation atmosphere at the step (B) is higher than that at the step (A). Preferably the concentrations of carbon dioxide at the step (B) and the step (A) are 1000-2500 ppm and 700-1500 ppm, respectively. The concentration of carbon dioxide at the step (B) is preferably at least 200 ppm higher than that at the step (A).

Abstract: A plant-cultivating method is provided which comprises a red light irradiation step (A) and a blue light irradiation step (B), wherein the step (A) and the step (B) are independently carried out for a predetermined period of time under cultivation conditions such that the temperature in a cultivation atmosphere at the step (A) is lower than that at the step (B). Preferably, the temperatures in a cultivation atmosphere at the step (A) and the step (B) are in the ranges of 12° C. to 19° C. and 20° C. to 25° C., respectively.

Abstract: A plant cultivation method is provided, including: a sequence of irradiating a plant with sunlight; a sequence of irradiating the plant with red light; and a sequence of irradiating the plant with blue light, in which the sequences are performed independently within a certain period of time. A plant cultivation apparatus is also provided, including: a region in which a plant is irradiated with sunlight; a light irradiation unit that irradiates the plant with artificial light including red light and/or blue light; and a control unit that controls the light irradiation unit to independently perform a step of irradiating a plant with red light and a step of irradiating the plant with blue light.

Abstract: Provided is a plant cultivation lamp used in a plant cultivation method including a step of independently performing a sequence of irradiating a plant with red light and a sequence of irradiating the plant with blue light within a certain period of time, including: a light irradiation unit that includes one or more red light emitting elements that emit red light and one or more blue light emitting elements that emit blue light; and a control unit that controls the light irradiation unit to independently turn on and off the red light emitting elements and the blue light emitting elements.

Abstract: A plant-cultivating method is provided which comprises a step (A) of irradiating a plant with a red light and a step (B) of irradiating a plant with a blue light, and a step (C) of irradiating a plant with a light predominantly comprised of far-red light wherein the step (A), the step (B) and the step (C) are independently and separately carried out for a predetermined period of time. The light irradiated at each of the steps (A), (B) and (C) has at least 60%, based on the total emission intensity of the light, of an emission intensity ratio of red light, blue light or far-red light.

Abstract: A planter includes a concave container and a separate rim, both formed from a thermoplastic material. The container has a brim extending radially outward from an upper portion of the container. A vertical wall extends upward from the brim. The rim has a top wall with outer and inner side wails extending downward from its edges. The upper surface of the brim of the container comprises a stop inward of the vertical wall such that when the rim is advanced onto the upper end of the container, a lower portion of the inner rim wall confronts the stop to inhibit further advancement.

Abstract: A hydroponic apparatus and a collecting device are provided. The collecting device includes at least two hollow containers, a connection part and two handles. Each of the hollow containers has an interior adapted to be stuffed with a porous adsorption material. The connection part is adapted to physically connecting one of the hollow containers to next one of the hollow containers in order. The two handles are disposed on the outermost two of the hollow containers.

Abstract: According to this invention there is provided a method of processing material such as organically coated waste and organic materials including biomass, industrial waste, municipal solid waste and sludge, the method comprising: attaching a material container cartridge containing material to be processed to a processing chamber; heating the material in a reduced oxygen atmosphere in the processing chamber to produce gas; channeling the gas from the processing chamber to a treatment chamber in which they are heated to destroy any VOC's therein; recirculating gas from the treatment chamber back into the processing chamber; and in a first mode of operation modifying the moisture content of the gas recirculating from the treatment chamber to the processing chamber by passing it through a second material container cartridge containing material to be processed.

Abstract: A fuel gasification system including a gasification furnace including a fluidized bed formed by fluidizing reactant gas for gasifying fuel charged into gasification gas and flammable solid content, a combustion furnace for combustion of the flammable solid content into which the flammable solid content produced in the furnace is introduced together with bed material and that includes a fluidized bed formed by fluidizing reactant gas, a material separator such as hot cyclone that separates bed material from exhaust gas introduced from the combustion furnace, the separated bed material being fed through a downcomer to the gasification furnace, and a tar decomposing mechanism that heats the gasification gas produced in the furnace to decompose tar contained in the gasification gas.